Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands

Jun 3, 2026

Summary

Gets rid of two older executive orders to make it easier for people and businesses to use off-road vehicles on public land.

What problem does this solve?

Old rules for off-road vehicles on federal land were unclear and made it hard for people to enjoy the land or for businesses to work. This order removes those old rules and uses existing laws to manage the land, which should make access easier for everyone.

What does this order do?

Cancels two previous executive orders

Gets rid of Executive Order 11644 and Executive Order 11989, which placed restrictions on off-road vehicles on public lands.

Removes unclear rules for land use

Eliminates vague requirements for managing off-road vehicle use, such as minimizing wildlife harassment or protecting an area's natural beauty.

Requires agencies to update their rules

Tells government groups like the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture to start making new rules that follow this new order.

Relies on existing laws for land management

States that current laws passed by Congress are enough to manage off-road vehicle use on federal lands without the old executive orders.

Who does this affect?

Off-road vehicle users
Energy and timber industries
Federal land management agencies

What is the real world impact?

•

Reduces environmental protections

Eliminates specific rules meant to protect wildlife, their homes, and the natural beauty of public lands from off-road vehicles, which could lead to more damage.

•

Increases access for recreation and industry

Removes old, unclear rules to make it easier for people to use off-road vehicles for fun and for companies to work on federal lands, like for energy or timber.

When does this start?

This order takes effect on May 29, 2026.