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This week, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with the strong bipartisan support of 22 members. The bill, led by Congressmen Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), had a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee where several members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable testified.

The EXPLORE Act will boost local and national economies and give more Americans — especially those in underserved areas — greater access to green spaces and public lands and waters while updating antiquated policies and procedures that support the recreation businesses who connect people to outdoor experiences.

"Thank you to Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) for spearheading the EXPLORE Act, which will help safeguard our natural resources and ensure our bodies of water are properly preserved and protected,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “This legislation not only increases outdoor recreation access for millions of Americans but also mandates vital enhancements to detect and manage aquatic invasive species. On behalf of the recreational boating industry, NMMA is proud to support this important legislation that helps keep our lakes and inland waterways healthy and strengthens boaters’ access to these natural resources.”

The bill introduction comes shortly after the release of new data from the Department of Commerce which shows in 2022, outdoor recreation accounted for $1.1 trillion in economic impact (2.2% of GDP) and 5 million jobs. 

The EXPLORE Act would:

• Enable permit streamlining to ease burdens on outfitters and guides and improve access to outdoor experiences;

• Improve access to recreation on public lands and waters;

• Ensure access to green spaces in underserved communities;

• Develop, improve, and complete long range trails; and

• Invest in rural economic development.

For more information on the bill and its progress through the House, visit https://recreationroundtable.org/priorities/recreation-package/.