05/06/2024
The EXPLORE Act: Calling All Off-Road, Overland & Outdoor Enthusiasts!
The Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences or EXPLORE Act, a wide ranging package to improve outdoor recreation on public lands and waters, was passed by the House of Representatives on April 9, 2024.
Millions of Americans utilize public lands and waters each year. Outdoor recreation has grown exponentially, and EXPLORE is intended to increase the use of wild spaces by providing better access through improvements in public land and water management.
ORBA and more than 100 outdoor organizations, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, recreational boating, camping, and rock climbing advocates, support EXPLORE, legislation to improve the lives of all enthusiasts while expanding access to America's public lands and waters.
Introduced November 29, 2023 by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), EXPLORE received bipartisan support. America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), passed the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources committee, raising hopes that EXPLORE will too.
Grijalva said, “All Americans should have access to recreation on our public lands, and the EXPLORE Act will be a catalyst in realizing that goal. We support conservation and restoration and investments in agencies that can sustainably manage our public lands for future generations. The EXPLORE Act can help ensure that the outdoors are for everyone.”
On April 10, 2024, EXPLORE moved to the Senate for review. The bill must pass the House and Senate in identical form before the President signs it into law. With the House passing EXPLORE, off-roaders and overlanders need to speak up to ensure EXPLORE passes. Send thank yous to House members and ask your Senators for their vote. Your voice matters in getting this bill passed!