BOULDER Colo. (BRAIN) — The Outdoor Industry Association on Friday came out in support of the introduction of the U.S. Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation (OUTDOOR) Act in both houses of Congress.
The proposed legislation, developed in consultation with the outdoor industry, would reduce tariffs on recreational performance apparel for activities including hiking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing and paddling. It would also create a Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research (STAR) Fund aimed at promoting U.S. jobs and investment in research to foster eco-friendly supply chains.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Reps. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore. — the latter a longtime cycling advocate — and in the Senate by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.
“I commend Representatives Reichert and Blumenauer and Senators Cantwell and Ayotte for coming together in a bipartisan effort to support the outdoor recreation industry, a vital part of the economy at the state and national level,” said OIA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “The U.S. Outdoor Act will lower costs for outdoor businesses, fuel innovation, attract more consumers to get outdoors using high-quality, affordable apparel, and will create more jobs in the United States. We look forward to the enactment of this important legislation.”
The OIA urges outdoor companies to contact their members of Congress to request support for the legislation.
