The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has thanked and praised U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum following his June 25 signing of a Secretarial Order that initiates the implementation of the EXPLORE Act across the nation’s public lands and waters.
The order provides the federal framework needed to carry out the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, the first comprehensive legislative package focused solely on outdoor recreation.
The Act passed Congress with bipartisan support in 2024 and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 4.
“The RV Industry Association thanks Secretary Burgum for implementing the EXPLORE Act through this order, which supports the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and $140 billion RV industry by enhancing outdoor experiences for Americans across the country,” Craig Kirby, President and CEO of the RVIA said in a News and Insights report of RVIA on June 27.
“We commend the Secretary’s Order for its positive impact on the countless communities and businesses that will benefit from a bolstered outdoor recreation economy,” Kirby added.
The Secretarial Order aims to modernize recreation infrastructure, improve visitor experiences, and strengthen support for gateway communities, which serve as essential hubs for public land access.
RVIA and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) have long advocated for these priorities. ORR also welcomed the move.
Among the provisions outlined in the order are several key improvements that benefit RVers and campground operators. These include upgrading federal campgrounds, expanding reservation systems, streamlining special use permitting, improving broadband access on public lands, and using federal authority to better support gateway communities.
The order follows direct engagement between RVIA leaders and Department of the Interior officials earlier this month. During those meetings, industry representatives pushed for swift implementation of provisions outlined in the EXPLORE Act that impact RV access and infrastructure nationwide.
RVIA has played a central role in shaping both the content of the EXPLORE Act and the policies guiding its rollout. The association worked closely with lawmakers and federal agencies to ensure the legislation reflected the needs of RV manufacturers, suppliers, and end users.