HECHO Statement on the Bipartisan EXPLORE Act
A Step Forward for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Broader Nature Accessibility
As an organization dedicated to elevating Hispanics in conservation, Hispanics Enjoying Camping Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO) proudly supports the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. This transformative legislation enhances recreational opportunities, modernizes outdoor infrastructure, and eliminates barriers hindering access to the wonders of nature for all people in the United States.
"We commend the bipartisan effort behind the EXPLORE Act. This bill promises to address the challenges faced by many of the approximately 600 million Americans who visited national public lands last year and understand the need to protect our public lands, expand public access, and support gateway communities. The EXPLORE Act aims to rectify these problems and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of our public lands, contributing to the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation industry that plays a crucial role in our nation's economy. With strong bipartisan support from 23 cosponsoring Members of Congress, the EXPLORE Act signifies a historic step towards a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience," says Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO.
The EXPLORE Act's comprehensive scope addresses critical issues affecting outdoorsmen and women, including:
Improve public land access for sportsmen and women.
Modernize technology to improve visitor experiences, like increasing broadband connectivity and creating digital passes.
Streamline the permitting process and reduce fees for small businesses that depend on public land access.
Protect rock climbing in iconic places and make new long-distance bike trails.
Restore campgrounds and modernize infrastructure.
Support gateway communities by addressing housing shortages and outdated infrastructure.
Improve accessibility for military service members, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and kids.
HECHO stands in enthusiastic support of the EXPLORE Act, recognizing it as a crucial step towards ensuring that all Americans, including Hispanic Americans, can enjoy the beauty of our public lands and waters.
We thank the bipartisan co-sponsors for their dedication to enhancing outdoor recreation experiences and fostering a sustainable connection between people and nature.