Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1531445
Powersports Industry Applauds Historic Legislation Expanding Outdoor Recreation Opportunities T he Motorcycle Industry Council, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Associa - tion, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America commend the recent bipartisan passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a groundbreak - ing step forward in enhancing outdoor opportunities, economic vitality and equitable access to public lands. The legislation is now headed to the president's desk to be signed into law. "The powersports industry and the millions of recreational riders and drivers thank Senators Joe Manchin, John Barrasso and Congressmen Bruce Westerman and Raul Grijalva for their lead - ership in passing the EXPLORE Act," said Christy LaCurelle, President and CEO of the MIC, ROHVA and SVIA. "A commit- ment to the outdoor recreation industry is an investment in the health and wellness of America." The EXPLORE Act signifies a pivotal moment for the outdoor recreation economy, strength- ening its foundation for growth while addressing critical needs in underserved communities. This landmark legislation is a testa- ment to the advocacy efforts of the MIC, ROHVA, SVIA, the Out- door Recreation Roundtable and outdoor industry partners. The EXPLORE Act introduces the following key measures: Expand access to outdoor recreation for all Americans, particularly those in underserved and urban areas. Enhance opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation, ensuring diverse out - door experiences for enthusiasts of all kinds. Strengthen the outdoor econ- omy by investing in infrastruc- ture and resources that benefit recreation-based businesses. Promote sustainable use of public lands through moderniza- tion efforts and public-private partnerships. Support local businesses and gateway communities that rely on outdoor tourism and recreation. This legislation also highlights the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to address evolving challenges in outdoor recreation. "This comprehensive, bipar - tisan legislation will allow more Americans to enjoy the outdoors by creating more opportuni- ties for motorized access to federal recreational lands and by improving and modernizing recreation infrastructure, which in turn bolsters local communi- ties and our nation's economy," LaCurelle said. "The passage of the EXPLORE Act comes on the heels of the latest U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report, which showed that in 2023 outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output and con - tinues to be a significant driver of our nation's economy, and motorcycling/ATVing is one of the top five conventional outdoor recreation activities." CN WIND IN THE P34 Good news for off- roading: the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act has received bipartisan support and is a step closer to passing.