The U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6492—the “Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act,” or the “EXPLORE Act”—by unanimous consent on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

This bipartisan legislation aims to significantly improve the public land and water recreation experience across the country. Specifically, the bill will:

• Improve access to public lands and waters for outdoor activities;
• Modernize technology utilized by federal land management agencies;
• Streamline the permitting process and reduce fees associated with small businesses who rely on public land recreation; and
• Restore and bolster recreation infrastructure.

Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.V., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., sponsored the legislation in the Senate and Representatives Bruce Westerman, R.-Ark., and Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., sponsored the legislation in the House.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) praised the bill’s passage and extended its gratitude for the bipartisan efforts. They added that the legislation’s passage highlights the significance of outdoor recreation to the economy and establishes a precedent for future recreation-focused bills.

The EXPLORE Act “marks a groundbreaking moment for the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy—an industry driven by the $230 billion recreational boating sector,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of NMMA. “This transformative legislation underscores the vital role that recreation plays in our national economy and represents a monumental step forward in securing its recognition in Congress.”

The bill is now sent to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.