In a landmark bipartisan agreement, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, demonstrating the momentum that members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and industry partners have in helping promote policies that expand access to outdoor recreation opportunities. 

The outdoor recreation economy, recently valued at over $1.1 trillion, continues building on the success of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2022—reported by the ORR as “one of the most significant public lands and waters legislations enacted in our nation’s history.”

The ORR reported that the passage by the House of the EXPLORE Act “represents a historic moment as it is the first outdoor recreation-specific bill package, and it achieves this without cost to taxpayers.” This bipartisan legislation is “poised to stimulate local and national economies, enhance access for Americans—particularly those in underserved communities—to green spaces, and modernize policies to bolster the recreation businesses that bridge people with nature,” ORR continued.

The bill “complements” the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA).

Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the ORR, commended the House’s action, stating, “The House’s passage of the EXPLORE Act is a pivotal advancement for outdoor recreation and the outdoor recreation industry in the United States. Spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR04), Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ07), and a bipartisan group of their colleagues, this legislation shows our collective commitment to ensure outdoor experiences are accessible to every American now and for future generations. As we celebrate this victory, we look forward to the Senate, led by the champions of AORA – Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) – quickly taking up the mantle and working towards enacting these crucial measures.”

ORR noted that the EXPLORE Act is vital for “protecting and enjoying our public lands, waters and the communities prospering from them.” The Act will:

  • Facilitate permit streamlining, alleviate challenges for outfitters and guides and enhance access to outdoor adventures;
  • Expand recreation on public lands and waters;
  • Guarantee green space access in underserved communities;
  • Develop, improve and complete long-range trails; and
  • Boost rural economic development.

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, go here.

Image courtesy Chimney Rock State Park