By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation that is designed to promote access to outdoor recreation opportunities, streamline the permitting process for guides and recreation enthusiasts, make federal agencies accountable for prioritizing outdoor recreation and address the maintenance backlog on America’s public lands through increased volunteerism. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) crafted the “Recreation Not Red-Tape (RNR) Act” (H.R. 3400) in coordination with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which is comprised of 25 top industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. The bill now goes to the House floor for consideration.
The RNR Act recognizes the significant economic contributions that the outdoor recreation industry generates for our economy ($887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs) and would make it easier to expand its scope.
“Cumbersome permitting processes and other bureaucratic roadblocks have significantly undermined access to recreational opportunities for lands that should be available for all Americans to enjoy,” said Rep. Bishop. “This bipartisan bill cuts through that red tape and ensures federal land managers are focused on their role in providing the public with high-quality outdoor experiences.”
ORR has also worked with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) on a companion RNR bill in the Senate (S. 1633). The bill is awaiting consideration by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.