Executive Order July 09, 2025 Doc #2025-12774 Executive Order 14313

Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission

Environment Economy Infrastructure Public Safety

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In Simple Terms

The President set up a group to help keep America's parks and natural places beautiful. This group will give advice on how to protect these areas and make them more accessible for activities like hiking and fishing.

Summary

President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission. This commission is tasked with advising on the conservation of America's national treasures and natural resources, aiming to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and promote responsible stewardship. Chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, the commission includes high-level officials from various departments and agencies. It focuses on expanding access to public lands, improving conservation efforts, and facilitating interagency coordination. The order emphasizes cutting bureaucratic delays and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts to preserve the nation's outdoor heritage.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

July 03, 2025

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

July 09, 2025

Document #2025-12774

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

The "Make America Beautiful Again Commission" established by Executive Order 14313 aims to enhance the conservation and accessibility of America's public lands and natural resources. Here's how this initiative may impact various groups of Americans:

Working Families and Individuals

Access to Recreation: The initiative's focus on expanding access to public lands can provide more affordable recreational opportunities for families, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. This can enhance quality of life by offering low-cost ways to enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities.
Job Opportunities: As the outdoor recreation economy grows, there may be increased job opportunities in sectors like tourism, park management, and conservation projects. This could particularly benefit individuals living near national parks or forests.

Small Business Owners

Economic Growth: Small businesses, especially those in tourism and outdoor recreation, may see increased customer traffic due to enhanced access to public lands. This includes businesses like equipment rentals, guided tours, and local restaurants or shops.
Regulatory Changes: The push to cut bureaucratic delays might simplify processes for businesses that require permits or licenses to operate on public lands, potentially reducing overhead costs and administrative burdens.

Students and Recent Graduates

Educational Opportunities: Universities and schools might have more opportunities for field studies and research in expanded and better-maintained natural areas, benefiting students in environmental science and related fields.
Job Prospects: Recent graduates interested in environmental policy, conservation, or outdoor recreation may find new career opportunities emerging from increased federal and state focus on these areas.

Retirees and Seniors

Recreational Access: Improved and expanded access to national parks and recreational areas can provide more opportunities for seniors to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, which can be beneficial for physical and mental well-being.
Infrastructure Improvements: Addressing deferred maintenance in parks and public lands could lead to better facilities and easier access for seniors, including improved trails and visitor centers.

Different Geographic Regions

Urban Areas: Urban residents might benefit from improved access to nearby national parks or recreation areas, providing a respite from city life and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Suburban Areas: Suburban communities could see increased property values and quality of life as nearby natural areas are enhanced and made more accessible, potentially attracting more residents and visitors.
Rural Areas: Rural economies might benefit significantly from increased tourism and recreation-related activities, leading to job creation and economic development. However, there might be concerns about increased traffic and environmental impact, requiring careful management.

Overall, the commission's efforts to enhance conservation and accessibility of public lands aim to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth. This initiative could lead to tangible benefits for many Americans, from improving quality of life through recreational opportunities to boosting local economies through increased tourism and job creation. However, the success of these efforts will depend on effective implementation and collaboration with state and local agencies.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

Primary Beneficiaries:

Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts: This group, including hunters, fishers, hikers, and other outdoor activity participants, will benefit from expanded access to public lands and improved maintenance of recreational areas. The executive order aims to enhance their experiences by reducing bureaucratic restrictions and improving infrastructure.
Conservation Organizations: These groups will see increased support for conservation efforts, as the order emphasizes responsible stewardship and collaboration over regulation. They will likely welcome the focus on proactive conservation and the potential for increased funding and resources.

Those Who May Face Challenges:

Environmental Regulatory Agencies: Agencies like the EPA may face challenges as the order emphasizes cutting bureaucratic delays, which might be interpreted as reducing regulatory oversight. Balancing conservation goals with regulatory responsibilities may present operational challenges.
Land Development Interests: Developers who seek to use public lands for commercial purposes might encounter increased restrictions or opposition, as the order prioritizes conservation and public access over development.

Industries, Sectors, or Professions Most Impacted:

Outdoor Recreation Industry: This sector stands to benefit from increased public land access and improved infrastructure, potentially leading to economic growth and job creation as more people engage in outdoor activities.
Environmental Services: Companies involved in conservation and environmental restoration may see increased demand for their services as the order prioritizes collaborative conservation efforts.

Government Agencies or Departments Involved in Implementation:

Department of the Interior: As the chair of the commission, this department will play a central role in implementing the order's policies and coordinating interagency efforts to conserve natural resources.
U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service: These agencies will be directly involved in addressing deferred maintenance and enhancing access to public lands, aligning their operations with the order's goals.

Interest Groups, Advocacy Organizations, or Lobbies with Strong Positions:

Environmental Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on environmental protection may have mixed reactions, supporting conservation efforts but wary of reduced regulatory oversight. They will be critical in monitoring the order's implementation to ensure environmental protections are maintained.
Hunting and Fishing Lobbies: These groups will likely support the order, as it aims to expand access to public lands for recreational activities, aligning with their interests in preserving outdoor traditions and enhancing opportunities for hunting and fishing.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3-12 months):

Immediate Implementation Steps:
- The President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission will be formally established, with appointments made to key positions such as the Chair and Executive Director.
- Initial meetings will focus on setting priorities, establishing subcommittees, and delineating roles and responsibilities among federal agencies.
- Agencies will begin reviewing existing policies to identify bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for streamlining processes related to land access and conservation.
Early Visible Changes or Effects:
- Increased public communication from the Commission about its goals and early initiatives, potentially including public awareness campaigns about conservation efforts.
- Some federal lands may see immediate changes in access regulations, allowing more recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, as agencies begin implementing the expanded access mandate.
- Initial funding allocations may be directed towards high-priority maintenance projects in national parks and forests, visibly improving infrastructure like roads and trails.
Potential Initial Reactions or Challenges:
- Environmental groups may express concern over potential deregulation and the focus on collaboration over regulation, fearing it could lead to insufficient protection of sensitive ecosystems.
- Some state and local governments might resist changes that alter land-use policies, especially if they perceive a loss of control over local environmental management.
- There could be logistical challenges in coordinating across multiple agencies and aligning their efforts with the Commission's objectives, potentially delaying some initiatives.

Long-term (1-4 years):

Broader Systemic Changes:
- If successful, the Commission could lead to a more integrated approach to land management, with improved collaboration between federal, state, and local entities.
- The focus on voluntary conservation efforts may foster stronger partnerships with private landowners and non-profit organizations, potentially leading to innovative conservation strategies.
- The outdoor recreation economy could see growth due to increased access and improved infrastructure, contributing to local economies and job creation.
Cumulative Effects on Society, Economy, or Policy Landscape:
- Over time, improved maintenance and access to public lands might increase public engagement with natural spaces, promoting a culture of conservation and outdoor activity.
- Economic benefits from enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities could lead to increased investment in related industries, such as tourism and outdoor gear manufacturing.
- The Commission's efforts could serve as a model for balancing conservation with economic growth, influencing future policy debates and decisions.
Potential for Modification, Expansion, or Reversal by Future Administrations:
- Future administrations may choose to expand the Commission's mandate if it demonstrates success in balancing conservation with economic growth, potentially increasing its budget and scope.
- Conversely, if the Commission's efforts are seen as undermining environmental protections, a future administration might reverse or significantly alter its policies, reinstating stricter regulations.
- The Commission's focus on collaboration over regulation might be re-evaluated based on its effectiveness, with potential shifts towards more regulatory approaches if voluntary efforts fall short.

Overall, the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission has the potential to significantly impact land management and conservation in the United States. Its success will largely depend on effective interagency coordination, public and stakeholder engagement, and the ability to balance conservation goals with economic interests.

📚 Historical Context

The establishment of the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission through Executive Order 14313 in July 2025 reflects a long-standing tradition of presidential engagement with environmental conservation and public land management. This action can be contextualized by examining similar initiatives from past administrations, highlighting patterns of conservation policy, and identifying what makes this particular commission unique.

Historical Precedents and Similar Actions:

Theodore Roosevelt's Conservation Efforts (1901-1909): Often regarded as the "conservation president," Theodore Roosevelt significantly expanded the National Parks system and established the United States Forest Service. His efforts laid the groundwork for future conservation policies by emphasizing the protection of natural resources for future generations.
The Great Society and Environmental Legislation (1960s): Under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the U.S. saw the passage of critical environmental legislation, including the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. These laws aimed to preserve natural landscapes and expand public access to recreational spaces.
The Great American Outdoors Act (2020): Signed into law by President Donald Trump, this bipartisan legislation provided significant funding for the maintenance of national parks and public lands. It represents a direct precursor to the 2025 executive order, emphasizing the economic benefits of conservation and outdoor recreation.

Building Upon, Modifying, or Reversing Existing Policies:

The 2025 executive order builds upon the legacy of the Great American Outdoors Act by continuing to prioritize the maintenance and accessibility of public lands. It modifies existing policies by explicitly addressing bureaucratic delays and promoting voluntary conservation efforts over regulatory approaches. This reflects a shift towards collaboration with state agencies and private stakeholders in conservation efforts.

Relevant Historical Patterns:

Balancing Conservation and Economic Growth: A recurring theme in American conservation policy is the effort to balance environmental protection with economic interests. This commission aims to promote economic growth through outdoor recreation while ensuring the preservation of natural resources, echoing past administrations' attempts to reconcile these sometimes competing interests.
Federal and State Collaboration: The emphasis on collaboration with state wildlife agencies is consistent with historical patterns of federal-state partnerships in managing natural resources and wildlife conservation.

Unique or Noteworthy Aspects:

Comprehensive Interagency Approach: The inclusion of diverse agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget, highlights a comprehensive approach to conservation that goes beyond traditional environmental agencies. This broad participation underscores the administration's commitment to integrating conservation into various aspects of federal policy.
Focus on Voluntary Conservation: The executive order's emphasis on voluntary conservation efforts, rather than regulatory mandates, marks a distinct approach. This could reflect an attempt to engage more stakeholders by reducing perceived regulatory burdens and fostering cooperative conservation strategies.

In summary, the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission represents a continuation of America's conservation legacy, drawing on historical precedents while introducing new strategies for collaboration and voluntary conservation. By addressing both environmental and economic goals, this initiative seeks to enhance the stewardship of America's natural treasures for future generations.

Affected Agencies

Department of the Interior Department of Agriculture Environmental Protection Agency Department of Defense Office of Management and Budget Council of Economic Advisers Council on Environmental Quality