On Jan. 6, President Biden signed into law the “Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act” (H.R. 6492). With bipartisan sponsorship, the new legislation passed the House by voice vote in April. In December, the bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
The Act intends to accomplish many things, like “addressing housing shortages and outdated infrastructure” in gateway communities, and improving public lands accessibility for marginalized groups, veterans, and kids.
The legislation also reduces fees for small businesses that depend on public lands, includes provisions for building long-distance bike trails, and permits the use of fixed rock-climbing anchors in wilderness areas.
Tribal Nations also benefit from the new law by being able to apply directly to the federal government for conservation funding.
Representatives Bruce Westerman (R, Ark.) and Raúl Grijalva (D, Ariz.) sponsored the bill. “I’m proud to support this legislation and thankful for all the hard work leading to this incredible win,” said Westerman when the bill passed the Senate in December.
Photo: Mountain bikers ride on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The EXPLORE Act will expand mountain-biking trails on public lands (Forest Service photo by Nate Lowe).
