Big recreation measures pass the House to improve public access

Four key pieces of legislation under the umbrella of the EXPLORE Act passed the House this week, helping to improve and expand access to public lands and waterways. The measures were led by Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, and underscore the vital nature of access to recreating outdoors. “Passage of the EXPLORE Act is a testament to our collective commitment to enhancing and preserving access to America’s stunning public lands and waters,” Curtis said. “This legislation, particularly the inclusion of four of my bills: the SOAR Act, PARC Act, Connect Our Parks Act, and BOLT Act, reflects our dedication to Utah’s majestic landscape. I’m proud to have contributed to this significant step forward in ensuring our kids and grandkids will be able to enjoy our state as much as I have.” “Utah has some of the most abundant and beautiful public lands and resources in America, and Rep. Curtis has been a faithful advocate for these issues in our work on the EXPLORE Act,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman, R- Ark., and chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources.