President Trump has lifted prohibitions on off-road vehicles in national parks by rescinding two longstanding executive orders. The move affects parks across the United States.
The original orders date back to 1972 and 1977. President Richard Nixon introduced the first, setting criteria to limit environmental impact from off-road vehicles. President Jimmy Carter’s order allowed for immediate shutdowns of off-road driving if it harmed ecosystems.
The orders targeted vehicles for unpaved surfaces such as ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. Modern technology now aids in detecting vehicle tracks in sensitive areas, prompting the White House to label these regulations ‘outdated and burdensome.’
According to a White House fact sheet, President Trump believes public lands should not be burdened by unnecessary regulations. The change aligns with his administration’s focus on increasing access to recreation, as well as oil, gas, and logging activities on public lands.
Under the Biden administration, the emphasis shifted toward conservation and renewable energy. This latest decision marks a significant policy reversal, favoring recreational and industrial use over environmental protection.
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