The EO ordered federal agencies “to pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.”
The goal of this piece is to determine if President Trump’s actions will delay, or perhaps halt completely funding for the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
New Green Deal
While the GAOA focuses on environmental conservation and infrastructure improvements, it does not specifically address climate change mitigation or the transition to renewable energy sources. These issues are central objectives of the Green New Deal (NGD).
As such, I do not see any part of the GAOA that goes against the President’s mandate against NGD funding. However, what’s yet to be seen is if any of the NGOs, funded by the GAOA, are implementing any NGD polices in their contractual statements of work.
Woke Ideology and DEI
The GAOA primarily focuses on funding the maintenance and conservation of public lands and the legislation does not explicitly mandate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) components. Nothing I could find in the legislation seems to support woke ideology or DEI.
However, the NGO’s slated to receive funding through the GAOA might not be able to completely distance themselves from either.
During the past four years, corporations and NGOs trying to curry favor with the Biden administration rushed to add DEI policies to their respective missions. They hired Chief Diversity Officers and signaled their support by running ads, donating to DEI groups and sponsoring DEI events.
Given the EO’s emphasis on “DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal,” the crony capitalistic behavior of many NGOs seems likely to backfire.
The DOGE Effect
Further, it’s quite possible that Elon Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) could get involved. The sheer size of some of the NGO’s involved in the GAOA awards could cause problems.
As we’ve seen with the USAID, for example, is that larger NGOs tend to pay outrageously exorbitant salaries and provide poor budget oversight, so there is some risk in this area.
Who are the NGOs involved in the GAOA?
I looked at three of the larger NGOs slated to receive funding through the GAOA. My goal was to determine if woke ideology/DEI, the New Green Deal or organizational management issues might go against Trump’s EO mandate. Here’s who I reviewed:
- National Forest Foundation
- Continental Divide Trail Coalition
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
National Forest Foundation
The NFF collaborates with the U.S. Forest Service, local trail organizations, volunteer groups, youth conservation corps, and contractors to implement trail restoration projects. Over the next five years, NFF has more than 40 trails covering 220 miles are slated for deferred maintenance.
From a budget management perspective, there don’t appear to be records or reports indicating that the NFF has faced legal issues related to fraud or mismanagement of funds. The NFF maintains a strong reputation for financial integrity and effective stewardship of resources and undergoes regular independent audits
One slight problem I see here is an NFF initiative, involving “collaboration with diverse communities and building inclusive relationships based on respect and trust.” Fortunately, the NFFs definition of diversity sticks to the accepted one of disadvantaged youths and Native American groups.
In conclusion, I think NFF has a fairly clean bill of health and should not hinder GAOA getting funded.
Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC)
The CDTC works to complete, protect, and promote the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). They engage with various stakeholders, including local businesses, land managers, hikers, and conservationists.
I couldn’t find any records or reports indicating that the CDTC has faced any legal issues related to fraud or mismanagement of funds. In addition, Charity Navigator has awarded the CDTC a four-star rating, with an overall score of 92%.
CDTC’s biggest issue might be that they place a notable emphasis on diversity hiring. They also allegedly collaborate with organizations like Rising Routes, which is dedicated to bringing people together at the intersection of environmental stewardship and social justice.
In conclusion, I feel it likely that CDTC will negatively impact approval of funding for the GAOA. And this may hurt the mountain bike community the most, since the Continental Divide trail is so near and dear to our hearts.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC)
RTC focuses on converting unused railway corridors into rail trails. They work with communities to preserve these corridors, creating a nationwide network of trails.
As of the latest available information, there are no records or reports indicating that RTC has faced legal issues involving fraud or mismanagement of funds. They are solid in this area.
However, the RTC does engage in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as part of its mission. However, like the NFF, much of its diversity initiatives are focused on accepted definitions of diversity (e.g., handicapped individuals.)
But there are some programs that benefit specific races, so my opinion is the RTC will likely hinder approval of funding for GAOA.
In conclusion
As previously stated, and sadly, I believe the GAOA is going to be rejected by the Trump administration. At a minimum, it will be delayed for a long time. This will likely end up in court, so my verdict is not set in stone.
Once again, the taxpaying public—especially the outdoor loving component of that group—are getting screwed by our legislators. These legislators pushed corporations and NGOs to comply with policies that were unsustainable.
The good news is this: a sizable number of the trails we build are built by the local community, That will never change. In addition, we are blessed to have a lot of trail assets and resources to maintain them, right now, at our disposal.
So keep riding and try to ignore the politics of D.C. If necessary, focus your energy on local government and local trail groups.
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