Congressman Blake Moore and Colleagues Introduce the Bipartisan Recreation Not Red-Tape Act to Enhance Americans’ Ability to Access and Enjoy Public Lands
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Don Young (R-AK), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act to remove barriers to outdoor recreation, making it easier for Americans to enjoy public lands and boosting rural economies across the country.
This bipartisan legislation would require the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to review their permitting processes for guides and recreation enthusiasts and improve efficiency, encourage military branches to inform servicemembers and veterans of outdoor recreation opportunities, hold agencies accountable for prioritizing outdoor recreation, and increase volunteerism to address the maintenance backlog of America's public lands. The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act also includes the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, introduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M, and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., which would improve outdoor recreation permitting processes.
“Utah’s vast recreation opportunities play a major role in making the Beehive State a great place to live and visit,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “As Americans get out and enjoy all our outdoors have to offer, it is essential that we streamline our permitting processes and give our federal agencies the tools they need to respond to the major surge in outdoor recreation nationwide. I am proud to introduce the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act, which will enhance our ability to access and enjoy our public lands.”
"Oregonians' appreciation for the outdoors is hardwired into our DNA, and American families come from all corners of the country to visit and experience the natural wonders of Oregon," said Senator Ron Wyden. "Access to our treasured public lands should be easy so all families have the opportunity for outdoor recreation. It's good for our health and good for local economies, especially hard hit rural America."
“Hunters and fishers are the stewards of our land and responsible for much of our country’s conservation efforts,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “This bipartisan bill reduces barriers for the American people to access public lands, supports sportsmen, and maintains conservation efforts. We must work together to streamline the path to recreation while also protecting the environment for generations to come.”
“Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula, I learned how important ensuring access to our public lands is to driving tourism, growing jobs, and supporting rural economies,” said Congressman Derek Kilmer. “This important bipartisan legislation will help ensure that we can continue to make progress toward cutting red-tape and strengthening opportunities for outdoor recreation, while maintaining and protecting the pristine beauty of our region. I’ll keep working to get this across the finish line so we can support the great outdoors and grow jobs in our region.”
"Outdoor recreation is central to Alaska's way of life and our economic health. Each year, countless visitors to our state enjoy our parks, trails, and more. Unfortunately, a cumbersome permitting process and bureaucratic red tape have undermined access to the very outdoor activities that Alaska is known for," said Congressman Don Young. "I am proud to help introduce the RNR Act, which will make the great outdoors more accessible to everyone while protecting our environment and growing our economy. I am grateful to Representatives Moore, Dingell, and Kilmer for their leadership on this important issue, and call on my friends on both sides of the aisle to help us get this crucial bill across the finish line."
The outdoor industry contributes nearly $900 billion in annual consumer spending and supports 7.6 million American jobs.
The full bill text can be found here.
The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act has received broad support from several groups and organizations:
Outdoor Industry Association Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans embraced the outdoors as a place to spend their time and improve their mental and physical well-being. As a result, the outdoor community is welcoming many new participants including more women, more ethnically diverse groups, and those who live in urban communities. Building on this historic momentum requires a commitment to expanding access to these outdoor spaces for people of all walks of life. This important legislation does just that by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and prioritizing outdoor recreation, as well as ensuring the $778 billion outdoor industry and its 5.2 million workers can continue to be a key part of our nation’s economic recovery.”
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Executive Director Jessica Wahl: “Outdoor recreation is a major force in the nation’s economy, contributing $788 billion in output and supporting 5.2 million jobs. As our industry grows in popularity and economic impact, federal agencies need updated tools to provide sustainable and improved access to, and infrastructure on, America’s public lands and waters. The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act offers sensible, 21st century proposals for identifying and appropriately managing our unparalleled outdoor recreation assets now and into the future.”
The Wilderness Society National Director of Recreation Policy Paul Sanford: “The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act will make it easier for Americans to access public lands and will make outdoor recreation a management priority. The Wilderness Society thanks Senator Wyden for introducing this important legislation.”
National Marine Manufacturers Association President Frank Hugelmeyer: "At a time when millions of Americans are seeking the health and wellness benefits provided by activities like boating and fishing, we must seize every opportunity to reasonably and responsibly expand access to outdoor recreation, which is exactly what the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act (RNR) will accomplish. As we head into peak outdoor recreation season, there is no better time for Congress to swiftly pass this measure and deliver the significant economic contributions generated by these activities to the communities that need them the most.”
RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Landers: “Sixty-five million Americans will go RVing this year and many of their adventures lead them to our public lands and waters. The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act will improve the experiences of these RVers by making recreation a priority on federal lands, improving recreational access, and removing unnecessary barriers so all Americans can enjoy outdoor recreation experiences. Of particular importance to RVers, this bill tasks federal land agencies to develop management plans for extending the recreation season or increasing recreation use in a sustainable manner during the offseason. This provision will help address federal campground overcrowding threatening the growth of the $114 billion RV industry, which drives economic growth in the surrounding local communities and economies."
American Horse Council’s Recreation, Trails and Land-Use Committee Chair and Michigan Horse Council President Jean Ligon: “The $122 billion horse industry applauds Sen. Wyden’s (D-OR) and Rep. Moore’s (R-UT) re-introduction of the bipartisan ‘Recreation Not Red Tape (RNR) Act,’ an important bill that leverages taxpayer dollars by promoting the role of volunteers in trail maintenance."
American Horse Council President Julie Broadway: "According to a 2017 economic impact study, the nation’s recreational riders account for 13 million U.S. households. This will prove to be an invaluable resource to promote stewardship of the nation’s public trails."
Oregon State University Executive Director Lee Davis: “It’s exciting to see this bipartisan Bill being reintroduced and moving forward. This bill will make simple, modern, and online access to permits and passes a reality, and will help our agencies find ways to prioritize outdoor recreation at both the local and national level. We know without a doubt that growing the outdoor recreation economy means increasing the number of shared experiences in the outdoors for all people, it’s about access and inclusivity. And we know that when people spend time outside learning and growing with others that it improves their mental & physical health, their interest in lifelong learning, and it helps us build a bond of care with our nation’s public lands and waters. Altogether, this bill brings together decades of thinking and work around how we can improve access and get the next generation outside, to spur economic growth in this new and exciting industry, and to help to revitalize our rural economies.”
Matt Kormann CEO and President of Archery Trade Association: “The ATA applauds Senator Wyden and Congressman Moore for the introduction of this common-sense legislation. Collectively, the innovative changes targeted in this legislation will further enhance the customer experience and accessibility for recreating on our nation’s incredible array of public lands.”
Noa Banayan, Director of Federal Affairs at PeopleForBikes: "As enjoyment of our public lands and participation in bicycling and outdoor recreation grow, we need federal action to keep up with demand. PeopleForBikes supports the Recreation not Red Tape Act from Senator Wyden and Congressman Moore because it will make it easier to designate National Recreation Areas, expand access to the outdoors and promote local economic development."
Dave Wiens, Executive Director of International Mountain Bicycling Association: "On behalf of mountain bikers and our outdoor allies who value our public lands for their natural and scenic value and for healthy, active outdoor recreation, I would like to thank Senator Wyden and Representative Moore for coming together to introduce the Recreation Not Red Tape Act. These public servants see the value these designations provide for people, communities, and landscapes."
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