According to our colleagues at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, The Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources unanimously passed America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022 this month. This legislation, beneficial to the off-highway powersports industry and OHV enthusiasts, was introduced by committee chairman Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and ranking member Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming.
The landmark package also included several groundbreaking recreation bills: the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy Act, the Simplifying Access to Outdoor Recreation Act, the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act, the Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act, the Federal Interior Lands Media Act, and the Biking on Long Distance Trails Act.
"The overwhelming support for these bills shows us the enthusiasm surrounding our public lands and outdoor recreation is strong and growing," Senator Manchin said. "This bipartisan package will make it easier for members of the public to access and enjoy our public lands as well as our rural businesses focused on outdoor recreation to thrive. The last time outdoor recreation legislation of this size and scale was enacted was 1963."
"Truly a historic day for America's outdoor recreation economy," added Senator Barrasso. "A first of its kind, this legislation is a monumental achievement for all who enjoy our public lands and our shared natural resources."
"I don't think our nation has seen the positive impacts outdoor recreation has had on Americans' physical, mental, and economic health in such a tangible way as we have over the past several years," noted Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. "Now is the time to remind the nation and our elected officials how the outdoors and the recreation economy helped us get through the pandemic and how we can bring more to people, communities, and economies with bills like the recreation package. We hope Americans continue to get outside to improve their lives and, like the video states, nowadays we could all use a little less zoom and a little more vroom."