EXPLORE Act includes Heinrich’s bills to improve the permitting process for outfitters and to provide all American fourth graders and their families free national park access
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced today that two of his bipartisan bills — the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act and Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act — were signed into law as part of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The broader bipartisan package will bolster outdoor recreation and promote public lands in New Mexico and across the United States.
The SOAR Act will streamline and improve the permitting process for outfitters, educational organizations, and community groups to access public land. This legislation, co-led with U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), was supported by a wide range of organizations, including the Wilderness Society, American Mountain Guides Association, The Mountaineers, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, and the Outdoor Industry Association.
The Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act will extend free access to national parks and other public lands to all American fourth grade students and their families, through 2031. This legislation, co-led with U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), garnered widespread support, including endorsements from The Wilderness Society, the Sierra Club, and the Outdoor Alliance for Kids.
“My bills to simplify access to outdoor recreation and provide all American fourth graders and their families free access to national parks are now law,” said Heinrich. “Our legislation will make it easier for outfitters, families, schools, and community groups to get outside and enjoy our public lands. This will grow local small businesses and our state’s recreation economy – while creating jobs New Mexicans can build their families around.”
For more information on the SOAR Act, click here.
For more information on the Every Kid Outdoors Act, click here.
A one-pager of the EXPLORE Act is here.
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