Trump Rescinds 50-Year-Old Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions on Federal Lands

President Trump signed an Executive Order rescinding Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which for nearly 50 years governed off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The orders had required federal agencies to manage OHV access using environmental and safety criteria. The White House framed the rescission as removing 'outdated restrictions' and 'unnecessary regulatory burdens' to restore 'balanced land management.' Environmental groups have historically viewed these protections as essential safeguards against habitat destruction and erosion on public lands. The order immediately removes federal requirements for environmental impact assessments when designating OHV areas, though individual agencies retain discretion over specific trail closures.

"Executive Order 11644 and Executive Order 11989 are hereby rescinded." — From the executive order removing environmental safeguards that had governed federal land management for nearly five decades.