After increasing its presence in the 2016 U.S. Election with numerous endorsements across both major parties nationwide, the Outdoor Industry Association has tallied its wins and losses.
Like many others, OIA officials said “it’s unclear whether President-elect Trump’s rhetoric will translate to real policy.”
“It is likely his policies and political appointments will favor traditional energy — though they may include some clean energy development. And we expect him to focus more on extractive industries and less on conservation and climate change,” wrote OIA Senior Director of Government Affairs Alex Boian in the organization’s post-election report.
That would go against where OIA has staked itself on those matters, but as Boian pointed out, “We expect that OIA’s message of the economic power of outdoor recreation will be well received by the Trump administration, as it has been among Republicans and Democrats across the country.”
Still, the incoming president is likely to be more at odds with OIA if he follows through on campaign promises. Trump, for example, has said he will squash proposed trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). OIA had come out in favor of the TPP.
Boian also expressed concern with Trump’s stances to label China as a currency manipulator, “raising the possibility of a trade war,” and possibly leave the World Trade Organization (WTO). “We assume that as president, Trump will follow through on those promises, ushering in an unprecedented era of protectionism and anti-globalization in trade policy.”
While OIA did not endorse a candidate for president, it did promote a bipartisan slate of U.S. house members, senators and governors. OIA saw 16 of its 21 endorsed candidates win, along with two ballot measures it supported (in California and Oregon) that increased funding for outdoor programs.
Moving ahead, OIA will send President-elect Trump’s transition team its recommendations for key political appointments and policy priorities.
“The outdoor recreation industry enjoys bipartisan support and OIA excels at working with both parties,” OIA Executive Director Amy Roberts said. “Republicans and Democrats alike recognize the power and longevity of the outdoor recreation economy. We look forward to working with President Trump and his team to communicate that message and get to work on the many issues facing our industry.”
