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America’s Outdoor Recreation Act Reintroduced in Congress with Bipartisan Support

With strong bipartisan support, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, the first comprehensive outdoor recreation policy package since 1963, has been reintroduced in Congress. 

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) are urging lawmakers to approve the bill swiftly to allow more Americans access to green spaces and public lands, leading to improved mental and physical health.

The outdoor recreation sector, valued at $862 billion, provides millions of jobs and bolsters local and national economies. 

As the popularity and economic impact of outdoor recreation continue to grow, federal land management agencies must update their tools to enhance access to public lands and waters, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.

The demand for RV camping has reached unprecedented heights, making it essential to modernize and expand campgrounds nationwide.

America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, a zero-score legislation, prioritizes outdoor recreation on federal lands while addressing conservation needs. 

Among its provisions, the bill establishes partnership agreements to sustainably modernize campgrounds on federal lands, provides financial and technical assistance to outdoor recreation businesses in gateway communities, extends federal land shoulder seasons to create more RV camping opportunities, and brings broadband/Wi-Fi to front country campgrounds.

America’s Outdoor Recreation Act is crucial to the RV industry and the wider outdoor recreation industry. It remains a significant factor in making sustainable improvements to our nation’s campgrounds and improving the experiences of current and future RVers,” said RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby on the importance of the Act.

Kirby also praised Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership and urged Congress to pass the bill quickly.

ORR Senior Director Chris Perkins called the bill a “commonsense, no-cost” solution that would expand access to green spaces and wild outdoor places across the country. He emphasized the need for modern solutions to improve infrastructure and access while protecting public lands and waters.

The Senate is expected to mark up the bill in the coming weeks. At the same time, the House Natural Resources Committee is set to hold a hearing to discuss other outdoor recreation-focused bipartisan bills later this month. 

This marks the first comprehensive outdoor recreation policy package to advance in 60 years, demonstrating a strong bipartisan effort to improve access and infrastructure for America’s outdoor enthusiasts.

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SoftRock870
SoftRock870
February 15, 2024 6:17 am

Incredibly exhilarating news! This legislation amplifies wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, fostering a cooperative approach to enriching outdoor experiences for all.

RainbowGiggles684
RainbowGiggles684
March 24, 2024 7:30 am
Reply to  SoftRock870

That’s fantastic news! It’s so important to support initiatives that protect our outdoor spaces. Any ideas on how we can spread the word and get more people involved in promoting outdoor recreation and conservation efforts? 😊

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: America's Outdoor Recreation Act Reintroduced in Congress with Bipartisan Support! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/americas-outdoor-recreation-act-reintroduced-in-congress-with-bipartisan-support/