In a significant legislative move, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act.
This act represents the first-ever outdoor recreation-specific bill package to be approved by the House, marking a pivotal moment in bipartisan efforts to enhance public access to green spaces and bolster economic activity through outdoor recreation.
The EXPLORE Act is designed to improve infrastructure, streamline permitting processes for outfitters and guides, and expand access to recreational activities on public lands and waters. It aims to provide special focus on underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to natural resources and recreational opportunities.
This legislation follows in the footsteps of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2022, which had previously set high standards for conservation and outdoor recreation funding, as per the News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Economically, the outdoor recreation industry is a substantial component of the national economy, recently valued at over $1.1 trillion. The passage of the EXPLORE Act is expected to further enhance this economic impact by providing critical updates and expansions to the infrastructure supporting outdoor activities across the nation.
According to industry experts, this act could significantly boost local economies, particularly in rural areas where outdoor recreation serves as a cornerstone of economic development.
Central to the bill’s passage were the efforts of bipartisan leaders such as Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), who advocated vigorously for the legislation.
Their collaborative work underscores a shared commitment to sustaining America’s natural landscapes and providing all Americans with the opportunity to enjoy them.
Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, praised the bill’s passage, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Congress in addressing key issues facing the outdoor recreation industry today.
Further endorsements come from various sectors within the industry, including Craig Kirby, president & CEO of the RVIA. He emphasized the critical role of the EXPLORE Act in supporting the $140 billion RV industry, which is a major part of the broader $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation sector.
Kirby called for swift action from the Senate to bring the benefits of this legislation to Americans nationwide, enhancing both health and well-being through improved outdoor recreational facilities.
The EXPLORE Act includes provisions for the development and completion of long-range trails, guaranteeing green space access in underserved communities, and facilitating permit streamlining that would alleviate challenges for outfitters and guides.
This is intended to enhance access to outdoor adventures, thus supporting a diverse range of outdoor activities from hiking and biking to camping and water sports.
As the legislation moves to the Senate, where it is expected to find support especially from Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY) of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, stakeholders from various outdoor sectors are optimistic.
The committee’s prior work on America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) aligns closely with the goals of the EXPLORE Act, setting the stage for a comprehensive enhancement of the nation’s outdoor recreation infrastructure.
The EXPLORE Act’s progression through Congress is a testament to the enduring value of outdoor spaces in American life and the bipartisan resolve to protect and promote these resources for future generations.
As the Senate prepares to deliberate on this historic legislation, the potential for transformative improvements in how Americans interact with the natural environment looms large, promising significant benefits for public well-being and economic prosperity in communities across the country.