Washington, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2024) — Following a 10-year advocacy campaign to modernize outdoor recreation policy, today the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the president’s desk for signature.
“Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to celebrate the passage of the EXPLORE Act in Congress today,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, one of the organizations that envisioned and advocated for the EXPLORE Act. “We are deeply grateful to the many champions of outdoor recreation who made this possible, including Senator Manchin, Senator Barrasso, Representative Westerman, and Rep. Grijalva. We also particularly want to thank Senators Wyden, Cantwell, and Heinrich, and Reps. Curtis and Neguse whose leadership, alongside many other champions, laid the groundwork for this recreation package. The EXPLORE Act will significantly enhance outdoor recreation on our public lands and waters, which is especially vital as participation continues to grow each year.”
“The passage of EXPLORE sends a clear message that outdoor recreation and our public lands are bipartisan priorities,” said Cramer. “Signing this bill into law represents a meaningful investment in our shared outdoor heritage and the vibrant outdoor recreation economy it sustains. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the protection and enhancement of outdoor recreation and public lands for generations to come. And we are very grateful to members of the public who took the time and effort to let their representatives know how important it was to them to pass this meaningful legislation. That helped make the difference.”
Highlights of the bill include:
- The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) identifies and creates more long-distance bike trails
- The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) safeguards Wilderness climbing
- The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) improves recreational permitting for outfitters and guides
- Codifies FICOR and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most
A new report released recently from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows outdoor recreation in the U.S. generating $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3 percent of GDP) and 5 million jobs. With outdoor participation growing, the EXPLORE Act will take important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, including improving access, creating more trails, and protecting the outdoors.
“As outdoor recreation grows in popularity, we need more tools to get people outside safely and responsibly. The EXPLORE Act will streamline the federal recreational permitting process to enable more people to experience the outdoors through organized group experiences facilitated by outdoor leaders and educators,” said Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers. “The Mountaineers is thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act and is grateful to Representative Westerman and Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership to help connect more people to their public lands and waters.”
“It has been such a privilege to work with all the outdoor recreation organizations and legislators from both chambers and parties to see the EXPLORE Act through,” said Ben Gabriel, Executive Director of the American Alpine Club. “This historic recreation package will broadly serve the public, protect recreation resources, and provide for our gateway communities.”
To learn more about Outdoor Alliance and their work, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.
