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[Page S4766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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RECOGNIZING THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 30th
anniversary of the Outdoor Industry Association, OIA. Based in Boulder,
CO, OIA is the leading trade organization of the outdoor recreation
gear and apparel industry.
Founded by a group of 14 brands and specialty retailers, OIA has
grown to include 1,300 companies that are the backbone of an $887
billion outdoor recreation economy supporting 7.6 million jobs across
the United States. For the past three decades, OIA has represented
American businesses and individuals whose vocations and avocations are
connected to this Nation's best idea: our public lands and waters. OIA
is motivated by a shared commitment to protecting, maintaining, and
expanding outdoor recreation infrastructure and ensuring every person
in the United States has equitable access to nature.
From its earliest days, OIA has partnered with conservation
organizations to advocate for our public land and water. OIA helped to
permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and they
continue to press for full funding. They have also supported wildfire
funding legislation, rails-to-trails, and similar transportation
infrastructure programs and continue to work toward responsible climate
and energy policy. The organization also produces outdoor recreation
economy report that highlights the influence of the outdoor recreation
sector on the national economy, including statistics on consumer
spending, tax revenue, and job creation. This report is an incredible
resource for lawmakers, land managers, and local planners. As a result,
over the past half decade and following Colorado's leadership, States
have created State offices of outdoor recreation to ensure that
government leaders and business leaders are working together to grow
their recreation economies.
I am honored to continue to work with OIA to protect our public land
and water. Earlier this year, OIA announced their support for the
Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, S. 241/H.R. 823, our bill
to protect 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado while safeguarding
existing outdoor recreation opportunities. OIA stated that they are
``one hundred percent in support of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and
Economy Act because it would protect nearly half a million acres of
public lands across Colorado and support the state's $28 billion
outdoor recreation economy while honoring its history in protecting
Camp Hale, the origin of the 10th mountain division during WWII.'' I
appreciate OIA's support for conserving public land in Colorado.
OIA members exemplify the collaborative and altruistic stewardship at
the heart of the outdoor recreation industry. For that, I congratulate
OIA on this 30-year anniversary and thank them for their contributions
to our American outdoor heritage.
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