Press Release: Senate passes EXPLORE Act modernizing outdoor recreation policy
Senate passes EXPLORE Act
modernizing outdoor recreation policy
A legislation package 10 years in the making, the EXPLORE Act will create more bike trails, safeguard wilderness climbing, improve recreational permitting, fund parks and green spaces.
Washington, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2024) — Following a 10-year advocacy campaign to modernize outdoor recreation policy, today the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the president’s desk for signature.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the passage of the EXPLORE Act today,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, one of the organizations that envisioned and advocated for the EXPLORE Act. “We are deeply grateful to the many champions of outdoor recreation who made this possible, including Senator Manchin, Senator Barrasso, Representative Westerman, and Rep. Grijalva. We also particularly want to thank Senators Wyden, Cantwell, and Heinrich, and Reps. Curtis and Neguse whose leadership, alongside many other champions, laid the groundwork for this recreation package. The EXPLORE Act will significantly enhance outdoor recreation on our public lands and waters, which is especially vital as participation continues to grow each year.”
“The passage of EXPLORE sends a clear message that outdoor recreation and our public lands are bipartisan priorities,” Cramer said. “Signing this bill into law represents a meaningful investment in our shared outdoor heritage and the vibrant outdoor recreation economy it sustains. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the protection and enhancement of outdoor recreation and public lands for generations to come. And we are very grateful to members of the public who took the time and effort to let their representatives know how important it was to them to pass this meaningful legislation. That helped make the difference.”
Highlights of the bill include:
The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) identifies and creates more long-distance bike trails
The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) safeguards Wilderness climbing
The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) improves recreational permitting for outfitters and guides
Codifies FICOR and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most
A new report released recently from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows outdoor recreation in the U.S. generating $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP) and 5 million jobs. With outdoor participation growing, the EXPLORE Act will take important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, including improving access, creating more trails, and protecting the outdoors.
“As outdoor recreation grows in popularity, we need more tools to get people outside safely and responsibly. The EXPLORE Act will streamline the federal recreational permitting process to enable more people to experience the outdoors through organized group experiences facilitated by outdoor leaders and educators,” said Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers. “The Mountaineers is thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act, and is grateful to Representative Westerman and Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership to help connect more people to their public lands and waters.”
"It has been such a privilege to work with all the outdoor recreation organizations, and legislators from both chambers and parties, to see the EXPLORE Act through. This historic recreation package will broadly serve the public, protect recreation resources, and provide for our gateway communities,” said Ben Gabriel, Executive Director of American Alpine Club.
"We are deeply appreciative of Congress coming together to pass the EXPLORE Act, proving once again that outdoor recreation and public lands are bipartisan priorities. This is a huge win for the outdoor recreation community and a game-changer for recreation on public lands,” said Hilary Eisen, Policy Director, Winter Wildlands Alliance.
“The American Canoe Association is thrilled about the passage of the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan success will greatly improve paddlers’ experiences outdoors, especially for our members who guide and teach on public lands and waters. With more Americans participating in paddlesports every year, the passage of EXPLORE is an important step in addressing long overdue management challenges and improving paddler’s ability to access high-quality outdoor experiences,” said Brett Mayer, American Canoe Association’s Public Policy Director.
Todd Keller, Director of Government Affairs at International Mountain Bicycling Association, said, “The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is thrilled the Senate has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. This action shows Congress understands the physical, mental, and economic importance of outdoor recreation on our public lands. The mountain bike community is specifically excited about the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act that has been included in the bill's text. The BOLT Act will identify at least 10 existing long-distance bike trails and identify at least 10 areas where there is an opportunity to develop or complete such trails. The bill will also direct the Department of Interior to publish and distribute maps, install signage, and distribute promotional materials. We now look forward to the President’s signature making the EXPLORE Act law!”
To learn more about Outdoor Alliance and their work, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.
About Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.
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