Congress on Thursday reintroduced legislation aimed at boosting the outdoor recreation industry. Outdoor Recreation Roundtable members voiced unanimous support for the bill.
RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby hailed America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), co-sponsored by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), as “crucial” legislation.
“America’s Outdoor Recreation Act is crucial to the RV industry and the wider outdoor recreation industry,” Kirby said. “It remains a significant factor in making sustainable improvements to our nation’s campgrounds and improving the experiences of current and future RVers. In addition, the Act provides greater access to the health benefits offered by the great outdoors and offers an economic boost to both the local and national economies.
RVDA President Phil Ingrassia lauded the bipartisan legislation’s long-term potential effects.
“America’s Outdoor Recreation Act is bipartisan legislation that will help ensure that Americans continue to enjoy the benefits of recreating outdoors for generations to come,” Ingrassia said. “The act will improve and modernize recreation infrastructure on public lands to support everyone who enjoys the great outdoors, including the growing number of RV travelers.”
AORA was introduced in the Senate in 2021 and voted out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in September 2022 but did not come to a vote.
The legislation would:
- Enable permit streamlining to ease burdens on outfitters and guides and improve access to outdoor experiences;
- Improve access to recreation on public lands and waters;
- Ensure access to green spaces in underserved communities;
- Update outdoor recreation infrastructure;
- Develop, improve, and complete long range trails; and
- Invest in rural economic development.
Kirby said RVIA’s government affairs team will continue its advocacy for the bill and the association calls on Congress for swift passage.
