Outdoor Rec Industry Applauds Bipartisan ‘EXPLORE’ Act – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) was introduced Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support of 22 members and a press event where Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s (ORR) Ambreen Tariq spoke about the milestone of this package being introduced. Led by Congressmen Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), the package will have a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee tomorrow where ORR’s President Jessica Wahl-Turner and ORR members will testify.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities.
ORR and its members across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy urge swift passage of this bill so that all Americans can enjoy outdoor recreation and its associated benefits to health and wellness. This groundbreaking legislation not only boosts local and national economies, it also gives 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 amazing outdoor experiences.
Jessica Wahl-Turner
“This is a commonsense, no-cost bill that will improve access to green spaces and outdoor places in every state in the country,” said Wahl-Turner. “We continue to see growing interest in outdoor recreation, but many of the policies supporting outdoor recreation and the industries that make it possible are outdated. Thanks to bill sponsors Congressmen Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), this legislation will provide federal agencies with new tools they need to address recreation management and help more Americans reap the benefits of time spent outside, all while protecting the precious public lands and waters that make it all possible. This is a much-needed and historic step forward.”
The announcement comes on the heels of new data from the Department of Commerce which shows that in 2022, outdoor recreation accounted for $1.1 trillion in economic impact (2.2% of GDP) and 5 million jobs. From 2021-2022, the outdoor recreation economy grew 2.5% compared to 2.1% for the U.S. economy as a whole.
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/.
Phil Ingrassia
“The EXPLORE Act is bipartisan legislation that will help ensure that Americans continue to enjoy the benefits of recreating outdoors for generations to come,” said National RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia. “The act will improve and modernize recreation infrastructure on public lands to support everyone who enjoys the great outdoors, including the growing number of RV travelers.”
Craig Kirby
“The EXPLORE Act is crucial to the RV industry and the wider outdoor recreation industry. It remains a significant factor in making sustainable improvements to our nation’s campgrounds and improving the experiences of current and future RVers,” said Craig Kirby, President & CEO of the RV Industry Association. “In addition, the Act provides greater access to the health benefits offered by the great outdoors and offers an economic boost to both the local and national economies. We would also like to thank Congressmen Westerman and Grijalva for their steadfast leadership. Our government affairs team will be continuing to advocate in support of EXPLORE Act, and we call on Congress for its swift passage.”
“We are thrilled to see Congress taking 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,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “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.”
“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.”
To see a full list of quotes and supporting organizations, visit https://recreationroundtable.org/explore-act-supporters-and-quotes/.
Source: https://rvbusiness.com/outdoor-rec-industry-applauds-bipartisan-explore-act/
