ORBA Protects The Off-Road Industry

What we do

The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is a non-profit advocacy organization that advocates for legislative and regulatory policies to protecting the future of all forms of outdoor motorized recreational access nationally.

Central to ORBA’s mission is advancing the interests of the off-road community by working with partners and aligned stakeholder, including the automotive and powersports industries, land use organizations, racing promoters, and clubs. The goal in these efforts is to shape federal, state, and local government policy to ensure the vitality of motorized outdoor recreation in the U.S. and access to public lands, while serving as an invaluable resource for advocates who seek to strengthen and preserve the off-road community.

ORBA’s approach to protecting motorized access to public lands is proactive and collaborative, and seeks to expand off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities for responsible recreation. ORBA is guided by the belief that to advance pro-recreation policies is to ensures that Americans are not arbitrarily denied the right to recreate on public lands.

Membership in ORBA is open to off-road businesses, including vehicle and parts manufacturers, retailers and e-commerce sellers, racing organizations, clubs, and advocacy groups. Under the ORBA structure, these organizations are united by a shared mission to support the prosperity and growth of the off-road industry. We are dedicated to amplifying the off-road industry’s voice and secure a place at the table when land-use decisions are made.

Land Management

ORBA works with land managers and stakeholders on local, state, and federal levels to implement common-sense land management plans that provide reasonable off-road recreational access, while at the same time protecting cultural resources and the environment. To manage motorized outdoor recreation through practical environmental principles is to be a good steward of the land, and the only way we can ensure that future generations enjoy the same access and opportunities to recreate.

Legislative

ORBA’s advocacy efforts are powered by SEMA’s Washington, D.C.-based team of government affairs professionals, allowing the deployment of sophisticated, nimble strategy focused on promoting and shaping legislation that favors motorized off-road recreation. ORBA leverages the significant credibility of the SEMA name to educate federal and state lawmakers about the positive impact the off-road industry has on the U.S. economy through the manufacturing and sale of off-road parts and components, as well as the important contribution that off-road tourism dollars make to communities throughout the nation.

Environmental Protection

Motorized outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive concepts. When conflicts arise between recreational and environmental interests, ORBA advocates for the use of facts, not feelings, to establish where motorized access should be permitted on public lands. ORBA relies on data that shows how properly managed off-road recreation areas not only protect the environment but also result in positive economic impacts to the affected communities.

Law Enforcement

ORBA encourages appropriate law enforcement, where applicable, for the safety and continued success of the industry as a whole.

The enforcement of reasonable laws safeguards the ability of everyone to recreate safely in outdoor spaces.

Legal

ORBA enjoys long-standing partnerships with other off-road stakeholder organizations to address the most pressing legal battles facing this community. Among these partnerships is EcoLogic Partners, Inc., a legal collaboration between ORBA, American Sand Association, and American Motorcyclist Association District 37, which pools the resources of its member organizations to protect off-road recreation nationwide.

Our Mission