Bill will expand access opportunities to a variety of public land users
(Washington D.C.)—Yesterday, the United States Senate passed the EXPLORE Act through unanimous consent, building on House passage from April and advancing the legislation to the President’s desk. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative package that would expand access opportunities to a variety of public land users, streamline permitting processes for businesses focused on providing recreation opportunities, and modernize outdoor infrastructure.
“TRCP joins hunters, anglers, and the millions of other Americans who recreate on public lands and waters in thanking the House and Senate for passing this important bipartisan legislation,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “As recreation continues to evolve in the 21st century, the EXPLORE Act ensures both the agencies and the public have the support and tools they need to make the most of their days outdoors.”
The EXPLORE Act was originally introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz) and advanced in the Senate by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).
The EXPLORE Act will:
- Expand availability of public target shooting ranges on BLM and Forest Land.
- Allow states, counties, and Tribes to conduct recreation infrastructure enhancement or improvements on public lands through Good Neighbor Agreements.
- Improve federal coordination and provide assistance to non-federal partners in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Read the blog version of this press release HERE.
Founded in 2002, the TRCP is the largest coalition of conservation organizations in the country, uniting and amplifying the voices of sportsmen and women by convening hunting and fishing groups, conservation organizations, and outdoor businesses to a common purpose.
Read the full article here
