Press Release

Bipartisan EXPLORE Act Passes Both Chambers of Congress

December 19, 2024 By Keri Gilliland
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Backpacker stands with child in wooded area.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT

Michelle Craig

The Wilderness Society is pleased it’s headed to the President’s desk

WASHINGTON D.C. (Dec. 19, 2024)—Outdoor recreation took a big step forward today with passage of the EXPLORE (Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences) Act in the Senate. It has now cleared both chambers of Congress and is headed to President Biden’s desk for signature.

In response to today’s news, The Wilderness Society Director for Equitable Access Policy Paul Sanford made the following statement: 

“The EXPLORE Act is a milestone achievement to ensuring that outdoor recreation—a major driver of the U.S. economy—is accessible, inclusive and representative of all people. While we are disappointed that the timing of Senate passage made it impossible to incorporate some key bipartisan improvements to the bill, The Wilderness Society is nevertheless excited that the EXPLORE Act is now headed to President Biden’s desk for his signature."

The recreation package will improve access to the outdoors for youth, families, people with disabilities, veterans, active-duty service members and people who live in nature-deprived areas. The legislation:

  • Extends the popular free park pass program for fourth grade students and their families.
  • Expands opportunities for outfitters and guides to take people out on public lands and waters.
  • Respects tribal sovereignty by allowing Tribal Nations to directly apply for federal conservation funding.
  • Eases financial burdens to local organizations seeking federal conservation grants.
  • Makes permanent a federal grant program that establishes and improves parks and green space in communities that have no or limited access to outdoor recreation.  

The EXPLORE Act includes several pieces of legislation such as Every Kid Outdoors program, Outdoors for All Act, Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, and Military Veterans in Parks Act.

Outdoor recreation is a $1.2 trillion industry, supporting 5 million jobs across the nation. The EXPLORE Act will help ensure that all people, regardless of race, income or geography, can equitably enjoy nature and all it has to offer.

To learn more, contact Keri Gilliland, keri_gilliland@tws.org or 303-386-2243.