Today, Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) introduced the Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act to provide regulatory relief to workers in the outdoor outfitting and guiding industry.
“The outdoor tourism industry is foundational to Utah’s economy,” said Representative Blake Moore. “Unfortunately, new regulations threaten to overburden this critical industry. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Representative Pettersen to roll back regulations that have uniquely harmed outfitters and guides.”
“Outfitters and river guides allow people from around the world to experience Colorado’s stunning natural beauty,” said Representative Brittany Pettersen. “In parts of my district, the tourism industry is the backbone of the local economies. I want to make sure these businesses aren’t unnecessarily burdened by work requirements. I’m glad to join Congressman Blake Moore on this bipartisan bill that will help the outdoor tourism industry and keep guides and outfitters employed.”
Currently, outdoor recreation providers who operate on federal lands are subject to stricter overtime requirements than other recreation establishments. This is an impractical threshold for the demands that come with outdoor guiding. Due to the nature of outdoor recreation work, guides can hit the overtime threshold within a few days, forcing companies to replace guides mid-trip or offer fewer opportunities for customers. This legislation would exempt eligible employees from the overtime limit in order to support and expand the outdoor tourism industry and encourage more Americans to experience the many natural wonders our nation has to offer. According to the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, Utah’s outdoor recreation sector contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy and provides jobs for over 66,000 Utahns.
“We appreciate Rep. Moore’s good work to protect our outdoor guides and outfitters from labor rules that are a bad fit for the outdoor recreation industry,” said Governor of Utah Spencer Cox. “Millions of people each year depend on guides and outfitters to access Utah’s stunning mountains and canyons, and we want to ensure rigid federal rules don’t make those trips more expensive for Utahns and visitors to Utah. Rep. Moore’s bill would provide a common sense exception similar to the exemption for other industries that don’t use a standard 40-hour/week model.”
“Outfitters are in the business of delivering life-changing experiences every day in the face of rapidly increasing costs,” said Aaron Bannon, Executive Director of the American Outdoors Association. “The Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act addresses this and acknowledges that seasonal recreation providers, many of whom provide remote, multiday trips, do not operate in a 9-to-5 work world. America Outdoors deeply appreciates Congressman Moore’s leadership on this issues that is critical to both the Utah economy and the economic engine that supports so many rural American communities.”
“The Dude Ranchers’ Association is in full support of Congressman Blake Moore as he advocates for the Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act,” said Bryce Albright, Executive Director of the Dude Ranchers Association. “This bill would be instrumental in making sure several of our member dude ranches are able to continue to operate for years to come. With many of these operations being family owned and operated, paying astronomical wages due to overtime requirements could cause them to close their doors.”
“With the introduction of the Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act, we are moving closer to a regulatory framework that aligns with the realities of outdoor guiding and outfitting operations” said Aaron Lieberman, Executive Director of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. “This bill reflects a thoughtful understanding of our industry’s contributions to the economy and the lifestyle of many Idahoans. The proposed legislation is a testament to a collaborative spirit among policymakers and industry stakeholders, aiming to foster an environment where outdoor recreational businesses can thrive while continuing to offer safe and unforgettable experiences to residents and visitors alike.”
“On behalf of the Utah Guides and Outfitters (UGO), we fully support Congressman Blake Moore’s Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act,” said Cody Little, President of the Utah Guides and Outfitters. “This bill is a step in the right direction ensuring growth and a longer term solution to the outfitters that would have been affected by the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. We at UGO look forward to the viability and options that this will provide to our membership organizations.”
