BOULDER, Colo. (November 29, 2023) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today released the following statement commending the introduction of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act in the U.S. House:
“We are thrilled to see Congress taking bipartisan action to ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces in their own community, bolster economic growth, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all, and thank House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their leadership on this bill. The outdoor recreation economy continues to soar to new levels, accounting for over $1 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.”
Since its initial introduction by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in 2021, OIA has also strongly advocated for the companion America’s Outdoor Recreation Act which aims to bring green spaces to more people and expand access to the great outdoors.
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About the 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 and climate positivity 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.
