News

The $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation industry is to get a major boost with the passage of the historic Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act through the US Senate.

The groundbreaking bipartisan achievement will cement the outdoor recreation industry as a cornerstone of America’s economy and a necessity to quality of life for all residents.

 Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, which includes representatives from the fishing tackle industry and boating associations among others, lauded the Senate’s action, stating, “The passage of the EXPLORE Act will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry and is a victory for our economy, our communities, our quality of life and our shared connection to the outdoors.

“By advancing this transformative legislation, Congress has shown its commitment to ensuring every American has access to world-class outdoor experiences, from our backyard to the backcountry, while supporting the businesses, workers, and communities who make those experiences possible.  

“Passing the EXPLORE Act is the result of the hard work of so many, including sponsors and many Senators and Representatives whose bills are included in the package, communities across the nation, outdoor recreation businesses, local and state elected leaders and stakeholders over many years.

“We are deeply thankful to our congressional champions and their staff, our ORR members, and all who helped pass this crucial legislation and are proud to celebrate this moment with the nation and our ORR members who really lead the way.”

 With the EXPLORE Act now poised for the President’s signature and implementation, ORR says it is looking forward to working with the next administration, Congress, state governments, Tribes and local communities to support a cornerstone of our economy, public health, and quality of life and all who rely on it.

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.

Recent data from the US Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output, accounting for five million jobs or 3.1 per cent of US employees.