The Subcommittee on Federal Lands convened an oversight hearing to mark the first anniversary of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The hearing highlighted efforts to increase access to public lands for recreation.
Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) commented on the progress made since the law’s enactment. “One year ago, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act was signed into law to streamline recreational permitting, cut red tape, and expand access to our public lands. Since passage, federal land agencies, under President Trump’s leadership, have worked to implement the EXPLORE Act and unleash the full potential of our $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. I look forward to continuing oversight of its enactment going into our nation’s 250th anniversary.”
The EXPLORE Act was described as a comprehensive piece of bipartisan legislation led by Chairman Bruce Westerman. Its provisions aim to improve access for a wide range of groups including military servicemembers, veterans, Gold Star Families, people with disabilities, children, and sports enthusiasts across the country.
Key measures in the act include simplifying recreation permitting processes and updating technology used by federal land agencies. These steps are intended to benefit small businesses and communities that serve as gateways to national parks and other public lands.
Federal agencies under Interior Secretary Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Rollins have begun implementing changes mandated by the act ahead of increased visitation expected during America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
More information about this hearing is available through official committee resources.
