The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee this month passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, which includes key provisions for boating and is the first outdoor-recreation-specific package of bills.
The legislation will provide greater access to public lands and water, as well as modernize policies and procedures to support recreation businesses that connect people to the outdoors. The EXPLORE Act is a companion to a similar package passed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last year, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act.
“This legislation not only increases outdoor recreation access for millions of Americans, but also mandates vital enhancements to detect and manage aquatic invasive species,” NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer said in a statement. “On behalf of the recreational boating industry, NMMA is proud to support this important legislation that helps keep our lakes and inland waterways healthy and strengthens boaters’ access to these natural resources.”
NMMA and partners have helped develop provisions to improve and expand the management of aquatic invasive species. The bill includes measures to improve the inspection and decontamination of boats entering federal waters without disrupting access.
