FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 19, 2024
BOULDER, Colo. — In a major step toward expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the country, the U.S. Senate has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) Act. This initiative, led by Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), represents a significant milestone in efforts to enhance access to public lands. Following its earlier approval in the House of Representatives, the bill now moves closer to becoming law.
Introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), the EXPLORE Act is a bipartisan package of recreation bills designed to modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways while supporting the 175.8 million Americans that participate in outdoor recreation. It also aims to address barriers to access for veterans, people with disabilities, and underserved populations, streamline permitting processes for guides and outfitters, and support the more than five million employees who help drive the outdoor industry forward.
“We are thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act which will ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in their own community, grow the recreation economy, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “The outdoor recreation economy continues to soar to new levels, accounting for $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and demonstrating participant growth for the eighth consecutive year. This is an important inflection point. We must modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways – regardless of where someone lives or works – and support more than five million employees who help drive our industry forward.”
The EXPLORE Act’s passage is the cumulation of the momentum started by Senate companion bill, S.873, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), which passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in May 2023. Together, AORA and EXPLORE represent the strong bicameral and bipartisan collaboration across chambers to advance policies supporting outdoor recreation.
“We extend our gratitude to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), as well as House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) for their leadership on this bill,” Ebersole added.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s outdoor legacy and path toward equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation. With the Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we’re opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans,” said Lesford Duncan, MPH, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation. “This bipartisan achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving our natural wonders and ensuring every individual has the chance to connect with the great outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation celebrates this milestone as we continue to champion an outdoors for all where we all thrive outside.”
With today’s passage in the Senate, the EXPLORE Act will soon become law poised to deliver enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities, improved public land access, and economic growth in rural communities. As the legislation heads to President Biden’s desk for final approval, bipartisan collaboration and stakeholder engagement remain critical to realizing its transformative potential for individuals, businesses, and the environment.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
