By SEMA News Editors
SEMA and ORBA applaud President Trump's new executive order, which is a significant step toward modernizing how federal agencies manage off-highway vehicle access and recreation on public lands.
Trump has rescinded Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which have shaped the regulatory framework used in federal route designation and travel management decisions across millions of acres of public land for close to 50 years now. Their rescission begins a process that could fundamentally reshape how agencies approach access, recreation, infrastructure and multiple-use management moving forward.
SEMA and ORBA have been working with a coalition of recreation, industry and public lands stakeholders in formally supporting this action and have participated in ongoing discussions with Department of the Interior leadership regarding opportunities to modernize public land access policies while maintaining responsible stewardship and existing environmental protections.
While the new executive order does not automatically reopen routes or overturn existing land-use plans, it has the potential to influence future agency decision-making and rulemaking efforts, including the framework used in large-scale travel management and access planning initiatives across the West.
For recreationists, businesses and communities concerned about access issues such as the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area and similar route designation efforts, this action signals a renewed focus on balancing conservation, recreation, access and multiple-use management on America's public lands.
Substantial work remains ahead through agency rulemaking and implementation, but the announcement represents one of the most significant public lands and recreation policy developments in decades.
SEMA and ORBA look forward to continuing to engage throughout the process and advocate for responsible motorized recreation, access to public lands and balanced multiple-use management for all Americans.
Read the White House executive order here.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Monica Garza 73
