Overview

• REI CEO Mary Beth Laughton publicly apologized for endorsing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, calling the decision a mistake and inconsistent with the company's values.
• The endorsement, originally facilitated by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, praised Burgum's record on outdoor recreation and economic growth during his confirmation process.
• Laughton criticized Burgum's policies, including oil drilling leases on public lands and mass firings at the National Park Service, as contrary to REI's mission of environmental stewardship.
• In a video posted to Instagram, Laughton formally retracted REI's support and committed to aligning the company’s actions with its core principles moving forward.
• REI has joined forces with brands like Patagonia and Osprey in the 'Brands for Public Lands' coalition, advocating for greater transparency and stronger protections for federal lands through congressional action.