Establishing the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission

7/3/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Prioritize the conservation and restoration of America’s national parks, forests, and other public lands to support outdoor recreation, economic growth, and the nation’s natural heritage.
General Policies: Federal land management agencies are directed to:
- Promote responsible stewardship and economic growth.
- Expand access for recreation, hunting, and fishing.
- Encourage voluntary conservation and collaboration.
- Reduce bureaucratic delays in environmental management.
- Restore and recover fish and wildlife populations.
Commission Establishment: Creation of the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission chaired by the Secretary of the Interior; membership includes key officials from Defense, Agriculture, EPA, OMB, the Council of Economic Advisers, and more, with additional members at the Chair’s discretion.
Commission Responsibilities: Advise the President on:
- Implementing conservation measures and enhancing interagency coordination.
- Providing actionable recommendations for conservation improvements.
- Developing collaborative policies to restore fish and wildlife populations and aquatic ecosystems.
- Expanding access to public lands and recreational opportunities.
General Provisions: The order:
- Preserves the authority of executive departments and budgetary functions.
- Is subject to applicable laws and appropriations.
- Does not create enforceable rights or benefits against the United States.
- Mandates that publication costs are borne by the Department of the Interior.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order emphasizes the expansion of access to public lands and waters for recreation, which could lead to increased tourism and economic activity. However, it may also result in environmental degradation if not managed properly.
There is a risk that the focus on cutting bureaucratic delays might lead to insufficient environmental oversight, potentially compromising conservation efforts and leading to long-term ecological impacts.
The establishment of the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission could centralize decision-making, potentially sidelining local and state conservation efforts that may be more attuned to specific regional needs.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in federal land management policies could affect its research programs related to environmental science, conservation, and public policy.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science and Policy Program may see increased demand for research and expertise in land management and conservation policy, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies.
The School of Engineering might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate new technologies and innovations in environmental management and conservation efforts.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a crucial role in supporting local conservation initiatives and ensuring that they align with federal policies and priorities.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with federal and state agencies for research and development in environmental science may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new conservation policies.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives could impact the funding landscape for environmental research, potentially leading to increased financial support for related programs at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize conservation and outdoor recreation. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in environmental policy and conservation, particularly through collaborations with the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies.
As conservation and outdoor recreation become more prevalent, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on research and funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should explore opportunities to collaborate with federal agencies on conservation research and initiatives. By aligning research projects with the goals of the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission, the department can secure funding and contribute to national conservation efforts.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments from the Commission to identify potential partnerships or funding opportunities for projects related to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. Engaging with federal agencies and other stakeholders can position Vanderbilt as a leader in environmental research and policy.
Vanderbilt’s Law School could offer expertise in analyzing the legal implications of the executive order, particularly in areas related to land use and environmental regulation. This analysis can inform university policy and contribute to broader legal discussions on conservation and public land access.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment should consider developing programs or workshops focused on sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation practices. These initiatives can enhance the university’s reputation as a thought leader in environmental sustainability and education.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to engage in projects that develop innovative solutions for infrastructure maintenance and improvement in national parks and public lands. By leveraging engineering expertise, the school can contribute to addressing the deferred maintenance challenges highlighted in the order.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the emphasis on expanding access to public lands by developing outreach and educational programs that promote outdoor recreation and environmental awareness. These programs can attract students and researchers interested in conservation and outdoor activities.
The focus on collaborative conservation efforts aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to interdisciplinary research. By fostering partnerships across departments and with external organizations, the university can enhance its impact on national conservation policies and practices.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order suggests some adjustments are needed to align Vanderbilt’s research and outreach efforts with national conservation priorities.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: No explicit deadlines or short-term enforcement delays are provided in the order; instead, implementation is subject to applicable law and appropriations.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

National Park Service: Tasked with managing and restoring national parks, it is directly impacted by the order’s focus on remedying deferred maintenance and expanding recreational access.
United States Forest Service: Charged with overseeing national forests, this agency is affected by the order’s emphasis on addressing maintenance backlogs and enhancing outdoor recreation.
Department of the Interior: As the chair of the newly established President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission and responsible for publication costs, this department plays a central role.
Department of Defense: Named as a member of the Commission, the Secretary of Defense has responsibilities in the collaborative effort to conserve national treasures.
Department of Agriculture: Represented in the Commission and implicated in land management issues, it is affected through its forest service and other conservation programs.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Administrator’s role in the Commission brings the EPA into coordination on policies to protect environmental quality.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The Director participates in the Commission, linking budgetary oversight with the execution of conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives.
Council of Economic Advisers: Through its Chairman’s participation, the Council contributes economic insights to policies that balance conservation with economic growth.
White House Offices: Including the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy (Executive Director), the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, these offices are engaged in policy formulation and interagency coordination.
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): As part of the Commission, the CEQ is involved in advising on environmental management and expanding access to public lands.
Other Federal Land Management Agencies: As defined under 16 U.S.C. 6801(3), these agencies are directed to implement policies that enhance both conservation efforts and economic growth on public lands.

Relevance Score: 4 (Eleven to fifteen Federal agencies and offices are notably impacted by the executive order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Interior – Serves as the Chair of the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission, responsible for driving the commission’s agenda and coordinating interagency conservation efforts.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Acts as the Executive Director of the Commission, overseeing its daily operations and ensuring actionable recommendations reach the President.
Secretary of Defense – Participates as a designated member, contributing policy perspectives from national defense and resource management.
Secretary of Agriculture – Provides expertise on rural land use, conservation, and economic growth within the commission.
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency – Offers input on environmental protection and sustainable resource management as a commission member.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Involved in ensuring that interagency financial allocations and policy implementations align with the commission’s conservation goals.
Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers – Contributes economic insights to support the commission’s conservation and economic growth initiatives.
Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff – Plays a role in coordinating communications and strategy among commission members.
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy – Provides guidance on integrating economic policy with conservation strategies.
Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality – Brings expertise on environmental regulation and policy coordination to the commission’s efforts.
Other Administration Officials – Additional members, as designated by the Chair and the Executive Director, ensuring a broad range of expertise.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level Cabinet and White House senior officials with national policy implications.)