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. Click here to read more.
