Congress Proposes SEMA-Supported Law to Improve Outdoor Recreation Access
Legislation to remove barriers to outdoor recreation and boost rural economies across the country has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate and House by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), and Joni Ernst, (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), and Rep. Debbie Dingell, (D-Michigan).
The bipartisan Recreation Not Red Tape (RNR) Act, supported by SEMA, would promote access to outdoor recreation opportunities and allow more visitors to get outdoors, according to Wyden. It would streamline the permitting process for guides and recreation enthusiasts, hold federal agencies accountable for making outdoor recreation a priority for the first time and increase volunteerism to address the maintenance backlog on America’s public lands.
The RNR Act also includes the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, introduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich, (D-New Mexico), and Shelley Moore Capito, (R-West Virginia), which would improve outdoor recreation permitting processes.
“The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) welcomes the reintroduction of the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act,” said Daniel Ingber, managing director of government and legal affairs at SEMA. “This legislation will give lawmakers and land management agencies valuable tools to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. Access to outdoor recreation will be enhanced, which will in turn produce significant economic benefits.”
