Statement from Outdoor Alliance on EPA’s Rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency’s released its decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which formally recognized that greenhouse gas emissions should be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
For the human-powered outdoor recreation community, the connection between climate change and our experiences outdoors is not abstract. Changing river flows, declining snowpack, more intense wildfire seasons, coastal erosion, extreme heat, and the spread of climate-driven illness are already reshaping the outdoor experiences that millions of Americans rely on for adventure, connection, and economic livelihood.
In 2024, 175.8 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation, contributing $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy and supporting nearly 5 million jobs. The health of the outdoor recreation economy—and the communities that depend on it—is directly tied to the health of our lands, waters, and climate.
Outdoor Alliance believes conservation and economic vitality go hand in hand. Protecting public lands and supporting recreation requires acknowledging and addressing the drivers of climate change. Recognizing that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare is foundational to that effort.
Climate change profoundly affects recreation access, infrastructure, and safety. Reduced snowpack crowds winter recreation into shrinking terrain. More frequent and intense storms damage trails, roads, and campgrounds. Prolonged wildfire seasons degrade air quality and shut down access to public lands. Rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illness for hikers, climbers, paddlers, and other recreationists. Coastal erosion threatens beaches and access points that support local economies.
Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, said, “Outdoor recreationists are often the first to see the changes happening on our public lands and waters. From shrinking snow seasons to wildfire smoke that closes trails and rivers, the effects of climate change are real and increasingly disruptive to the outdoor experiences millions of Americans cherish. If we want to protect public lands, support rural recreation economies, and ensure safe access to the outdoors for future generations, we must confront the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the climate.”
Outdoor Alliance remains committed to working with policymakers on practical, durable solutions that protect public lands, strengthen outdoor recreation economies, and ensure that future generations can experience America’s outdoors as we know it today. You can read out letter to the EPA about the Endangerment Finding here.