Motorized Recreational Access

Policy Position

SEMA supports land use policies that provide reasonable motorized recreational access to public lands so that off-road enthusiasts can responsibly enjoy their passion. SEMA understands these decisions must balance, sometimes-conflicting needs for land access and conservation. While SEMA supports necessary land conservation to protect public lands unsuitable for motorized recreation, the association opposes land use policies that unnecessarily limit access, such as wilderness and national monument designations that are larger than needed to protect unique natural resources.

SEMA supports federal legislation that streamlines the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, makes maps of all lands where vehicles are allowed and prohibited available to the public, and ensures that gas taxes paid by OHV users are reinvested in roads and trails. It is important that land use decisions, including national monument designations and wilderness, are supported by local and state officials and that the motorized recreation community is consulted. These trails and lands draw tens of millions of visitors annually, stimulating local economies across the county and spurring economic development. Every year, off-roading accounts for $68 billion in direct spending, Americans spend $23 billion to modify trucks and SUVs, and Motorcycling & ATVing have a $16.2 billion economic impact. There must be legislation to protect this vital American industry.

These legislative priorities are designed to ensure that millions of Americans and their families are able to continue to enjoy off-roading, snowmobiling, overlanding, hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing.