The REI Public Land Controversy Explained
Outdoor Minimalist13 Helmi 2025

The REI Public Land Controversy Explained

In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration.

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI.

But what’s really happening?

We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the Department of the Interior, and his priorities for public lands.

We also analyze REI’s role in the conversation, the industry’s response, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.

Finally, we discuss REI’s official statement on the issue and share actionable ways to support public lands.


Episode Resources:

Read the ORR letter: https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ORR-Burgum-Nomination-Letter-of-Support-Final.pdf

REI's Recent Statement: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/we-will-never-stop-defending-our-public-lands

Voice Your Opposition to Burgum's Actions through the REI Cooperative Action Network: https://www.rei.com/action/network/campaign/protect-public-lands




Burgum's First Day Orders: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energy


Related Episodes

Sources

ProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-interior-department-trump


Alaska Wild: https://alaskawild.org/blog/doug-burgum-the-billionaire-governor-turned-trumps-doi-secretary/


Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05022025/new-interior-secretary-weakens-public-land-protections-fossil-fuels/

Jaksot(282)

Potential Drilling Near Chaco Canyon, Joint Resolution Threatens Grand Staircase-Escalante, and the USDA Forest Service Reorganization Moves Forward - Public Lands News (April 3)

Potential Drilling Near Chaco Canyon, Joint Resolution Threatens Grand Staircase-Escalante, and the USDA Forest Service Reorganization Moves Forward - Public Lands News (April 3)

In this week's public lands news briefing, we cover three main stories:1. The Trump administration has begun the process of potentially reversing federal protections for the lands surrounding Chaco Cu...

3 Huhti 23min

217. How AllTrails Is Using Trail Data to Protect Public Lands with Pitt Grewe

217. How AllTrails Is Using Trail Data to Protect Public Lands with Pitt Grewe

In recent years, more people than ever have been heading outdoors—discovering new trails, exploring public lands, and connecting with nature in ways that are shaping the future of outdoor recreation. ...

30 Maalis 33min

216. How to Use a Walk in Nature as a Meditation Practice with Brian Berneman

216. How to Use a Walk in Nature as a Meditation Practice with Brian Berneman

What do you think of when you think of meditation? Many people think of meditation as only sitting still and clearing your mind, but in reality, mindfulness can happen through movement, sound, and att...

23 Maalis 39min

Oak Flat Transferred to Multinational Mining Company and Big Bend Border Wall Pushes Ahead - Public Lands News (March 9-20)

Oak Flat Transferred to Multinational Mining Company and Big Bend Border Wall Pushes Ahead - Public Lands News (March 9-20)

During this week’s public lands news briefing on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we have two feature stories for you. What we cover this week:1. Oak Flat, a sacred indigenous site and popular rock cli...

20 Maalis 25min

215. What You Didn't Know About Trawling in Alaska with David Bayes

215. What You Didn't Know About Trawling in Alaska with David Bayes

What happens when one of the world’s largest industrial fishing fleets operates alongside small coastal communities that depend on the same fish to survive?In Alaska, trawl fisheries—especially those ...

16 Maalis 37min

214. We Are Losing the Climate Crisis Narrative Fight with Maya Lilly

214. We Are Losing the Climate Crisis Narrative Fight with Maya Lilly

Climate change is one of the biggest stories of our time—but the way we tell that story hasn’t always kept up with how people actually consume media today. As younger audiences spend more time on soci...

9 Maalis 37min

US/Israel's Holy War with Iran Explained with Leigh Larson

US/Israel's Holy War with Iran Explained with Leigh Larson

Holy war? Resource war? Either way, it's illegal. In this special bonus episode on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I am joined by Leigh Larson, who breaks down how and why Christian nationalism and re...

6 Maalis 39min

213. Are We Ready for the AI Energy Surge? What Communities Need to Know About Data Centers and the Grid with Dr. Naeem Turner

213. Are We Ready for the AI Energy Surge? What Communities Need to Know About Data Centers and the Grid with Dr. Naeem Turner

AI has seemingly taken over our lives in so many ways. Personally, I’ve seen a huge shift in the writing and journalism field for both staff and freelance writers. But one thing we often don’t see is ...

2 Maalis 30min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

uutiscast
aikalisa
politiikan-puskaradio
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
tervo-halme
rss-podme-livebox
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rss-asiastudio
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
otetaan-yhdet
rss-hyvaa-huomenta-bryssel
rss-raha-talous-ja-politiikka
rss-sinivalkoinen-islam
the-ulkopolitist
rss-kaikki-uusiksi
rss-tasta-on-kyse-ivan-puopolo-verkkouutiset
aihe
rss-50100-podcast
rss-girls-finish-f1rst