Spearheaded by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), 312 businesses and organizations across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy, called on Congress in a letter to pass the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act before the end of the year. The bipartisan EXPLORE Act, which has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous consent in April, enjoys unprecedented support from a broad coalition of industry associations, conservation groups and outdoor businesses.
The EXPLORE Act is a package of more than a dozen bipartisan policy measures designed to boost rural economies, foster community resilience and enhance Americans’ quality of life by improving access to public lands and recreational opportunities across the nation, all without additional cost to taxpayers. The legislation will streamline processes crucial to the over 5 million American jobs supported by the outdoor sector and ensure more Americans can enjoy the health and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation.
“This is a pivotal moment for outdoor recreation and for all Americans who rely on access to the outdoors for health, enjoyment, and economic vitality and this letter signed by over 300 businesses and organizations underscores the need to pass the EXPLORE Act as soon as possible,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “The EXPLORE Act represents decades of hard work across the outdoor industry and support from leaders at all levels of government. Passing this bill will not only meet the surging demand for outdoor access but will also protect our public lands for future generations to enjoy.”
The EXPLORE Act addresses crucial issues impacting both urban and rural communities, from modernizing permitting processes for outfitters and guides to expanding green spaces in underserved areas and enhancing long-range trail systems. With provisions that benefit motorized and nonmotorized recreation alike, as well as conservationists, sportsmen and women, and economic advocates, the EXPLORE Act represents the most diverse coalition of outdoor stakeholders ever assembled.
The EXPLORE Act is sponsored by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and similar legislation, the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), is sponsored by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY).
This bill will revolutionize the outdoor recreation economy, ORR said, paving the way for its continued growth while fostering equity and inclusivity in outdoor access. The American outdoor recreation community is eager to see the EXPLORE Act signed into law, benefiting the 145 million Americans currently enjoying outdoor activities — and creating new opportunities for millions more.
Read the letter to Congress signed by over 310 outdoor recreation businesses and organizations here.