EXPLORE Act Advances, Several Neguse-led Bills Head to President Biden’s Desk for Signature

Washington, D.C. — Today, the United States Senate successfully passed the bipartisan, bicameral Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act—advancing four bills led by House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse to President Biden’s desk for signature, including the Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act, the Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act, the Improving Access to Outdoor Recreation Coordination Act, and the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act. Notably, the EXPLORE Act also includes the Simplifying Access for Outdoor Recreation Permitting (SOAR) Act, a bill Neguse co-leads in the House of Representatives. 

Assistant Leader Neguse, whose congressional district is nearly 60% public lands, has made improving access to the outdoors and protecting these treasured spaces a top priority since he first took office. Today’s announcement provides much-needed support for the rural and mountain communities he represents, including those along Colorado’s Western Slope, as they work to bolster their recreation economies while advancing conservation efforts.

“It’s as simple as this — in Colorado, the preservation of our public lands and the strength of our outdoor recreation economy is not only integral to the spirit of our state but to the success of our people,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “I am proud to see these bills through to the finish line—and even more excited for the ways in which they will deliver for our communities.” 

Additional information about the bills below: 

• The Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act helps address the housing shortage in rural and mountain communities by strengthening the authority of the United States Forest Service (USFS) to lease underutilized administrative sites to address local needs, including for building affordable housing. 
• The Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act expands outdoor recreation opportunities by identifying potential long-distance bike trails and bolstering mapping resources for long-distance bikers. 
• The Improving Access to Outdoor Recreation Coordination Act establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation which would coordinate outdoor recreation policies among the various land management agencies. It aims to streamline processes across federal agencies to bolster recreation on public lands.
• The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act helps to slow and prevent the spread of highly invasive aquatic species, including fast-spreading zebra mussels, in the Colorado River and other waters across the West. It strengthens efforts led by states and agencies in partnership with the U.S. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to implement preventative measures.
• The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act simplifies the permitting process for outdoor guides, outfitters, education organizations, and college and university programs.

These Neguse-led proposals first passed the House as part of the EXPLORE Act earlier this year. More information about the larger legislative package can be found HERE. 

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