WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The Senate unanimously passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act that has long been supported by bike and outdoor groups to create more trails, fund parks and green spaces, and other initiatives.
The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House in April and now goes to the president's desk for signature after a 10-year advocacy campaign to improve outdoor recreation policy.
"The EXPLORE Act will significantly enhance outdoor recreation on our public lands, which is especially vital as participation continues to grow each year," said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, one of the organizations that advocated for the EXPLORE Act.
PeopleForBikes said the rare bipartisan achievement is an investment in outdoor recreation and bicycling.
"By expanding access to our public lands and supporting opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, the EXPLORE Act underscores the power of recreation to connect all Americans," said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice. "It's a win for the outdoor economy, recreational access, and the spirit of exploration that unites us all."
The International Mountain Bicycling Association also has supported the legislation.
The EXPLORE Act contains many bills advocacy groups have helped develop and refine with lawmakers, including:
- The Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act, identifying and creating more long-distance bike trails.
- The Protecting America's Rock Climbing Act, safeguarding wilderness climbing.
- The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act, improving recreational permitting for outfitters and guides.
- Codifying the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most.
PeopleForBikes cited a U.S. Department of Commerce assessment that found the growth of the outdoor recreation industry is outpacing the broader domestic economy with its economic impact totaling $1.2 trillion.
"We look forward to continuing to advocate for the protection and enhancement of outdoor recreation and public lands for generations to come," Cramer said. "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."
