In a historic move, the U.S. House of Representatives has given its nod to the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (H.R.6492) on April 9. Spearheaded by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.-4) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-7), this sweeping legislation aims to revolutionize access and rejuvenate outdoor recreational opportunities across the nation’s public lands while equipping counties with the necessary tools to cultivate outdoor recreation within their communities.
The EXPLORE Act’s core provisions are as follows:
Supporting Gateway Communities: Addressing the challenges encountered by gateway communities, the bill confronts housing shortages, parking dilemmas, infrastructure hurdles, and overcrowding issues. By fortifying these communities, the legislation fosters sustainable economic and community growth in counties hosting public lands.
Modernizing Technology: Emphasizing the modernization of technology at outdoor recreation facilities on public lands, the bill seeks to enrich visitor experiences and streamline data collection. Initiatives include enhancing broadband connectivity at recreation sites, introducing digital recreation passes, and initiating pilot programs to monitor visitation.
Streamlining Permitting: Acknowledging the significance of small businesses reliant on public lands, the EXPLORE Act streamlines the permitting process and alleviates burdensome fees for outdoor recreation projects and businesses.
Managing Park Overcrowding: The legislation allocates resources to address park overcrowding by funding parking expansion projects in high-traffic parks and encouraging public recreation in less-traveled areas to alleviate pressure on popular destinations.
Enhancing Accessibility: A pivotal aspect of the bill is its commitment to enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It mandates the establishment of new accessible trails and recreation opportunities across public lands, ensuring inclusivity in outdoor activities.
Promoting Recreation for Service Members and Veterans: Recognizing the benefits of outdoor recreation on health and well-being, the EXPLORE Act promotes opportunities for active service members and veterans to engage in recreational activities on public lands.
Creating Long-Distance Bike Trails: The bill encourages the development of new long-distance bike trails, fostering new recreation and tourism opportunities for county residents and visitors alike.
Improving Access for Sportsmen and Women: Prioritizing enhanced access for sportsmen and women on public lands, the bill ensures they can enjoy hunting, fishing, and other recreational pursuits with greater ease.
Modernizing and Restoring Campgrounds: The EXPLORE Act aims to modernize and restore campgrounds, ensuring that these facilities meet the evolving needs of visitors while preserving the natural environment.
Counties across the nation are poised to reap substantial benefits from the provisions outlined in the EXPLORE Act. The outdoor recreation industry stands as one of the nation’s fastest-growing economic sectors, contributing $1.1 trillion in annual gross economic output in 2023 alone, representing 2.2 percent of U.S. gross domestic product and supporting over 5 million jobs for county residents.
The EXPLORE Act, if enacted into law, would empower counties and their partners to revolutionize outdoor recreation experiences on public lands while fostering vibrant communities in both urban and rural America.
Next Steps for the EXPLORE Act:
With the passage of the EXPLORE Act in the U.S. House, all eyes are now on the U.S. Senate. The bill’s Senate companion, the bipartisan America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (S.873), sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Jon Barrasso (R-Wyo.), cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in July 2023 and awaits consideration on the Senate floor.