The House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold an oversight hearing today, marking one year since the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act was signed into law, a milestone for outdoor recreation advocates and the RV industry.
The hearing underscores the continued implementation of the EXPLORE Act, legislation designed to expand access to public lands, modernize recreation infrastructure and support rural economies tied to outdoor tourism.
The anniversary comes as federal agencies begin rolling out provisions intended to improve visitor services and streamline recreation permitting nationwide.
The EXPLORE Act was signed into law Jan. 4, 2025, following advocacy from groups including the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, along with other industry partners.
The timing of the anniversary aligns with preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, when increased visitation is expected at national parks and public lands.
The legislation is positioned to support that anticipated growth by improving infrastructure and expanding opportunities for activities such as RVing, camping, fishing and hiking.
The Go RVing campaign has tied those efforts to its RV-2-50 initiative highlighting RV travel during the semiquincentennial year.
Federal land management agencies have already begun implementing elements of the law, building on the framework established by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.
The EXPLORE Act streamlines recreation permitting, improves operational efficiency for recreation service providers and modernizes technology to enhance visitor experiences, with a focus on benefits for small businesses and rural gateway communities.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA on January 20, the RV industry is expected to benefit from expanded and improved outdoor recreation spaces.
The law aims to increase access to public lands, grow rural jobs, extend federal land shoulder seasons to spread out demand and create additional RV camping opportunities, and establish partnerships to modernize campgrounds where appropriate.
The legislation also calls for expanded broadband and Wi-Fi access at front-country campgrounds to address safety concerns and meet visitor expectations.
RVIA credited bipartisan leadership for advancing the bill, including Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Joe Manchin, John Barrasso, Mike Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, Bruce Westerman and the late Raúl Grijalva.