Moore sponsors bipartisan Recreation Not Red Tape Act

U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) on May 25 sponsored bipartisan legislation to promote innovative approaches to outdoor recreation on federal lands and to increase opportunities for collaboration with non-federal partners that would help remove barriers to outdoor recreation.

“As Americans get out and enjoy all our outdoors have to offer, it is essential that we streamline our permitting processes and give our federal agencies the tools they need to respond to the major surge in outdoor recreation nationwide,” Rep. Moore said. “I am proud to introduce the Recreation Not Red Tape Act, which will enhance our ability to access and enjoy our public lands.”

Rep. Moore introduced H.R. 3527 with three original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). If enacted, the bill would require the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to review their permitting processes and increase volunteerism to address the maintenance backlog of America’s public lands, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Moore’s staff.

Additionally, H.R. 3527 would encourage military branches to inform United States service members and veterans of outdoor recreation opportunities and hold agencies accountable for prioritizing outdoor recreation, the summary says.

The legislation also includes the bipartisan Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, S. 1229, which was introduced on April 20 by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to modify the procedures for issuing special recreation permits for certain public land units.

“Hunters and fishers are the stewards of our land and responsible for much of our country’s conservation efforts,” said Rep. Dingell. “This bipartisan bill reduces barriers for the American people to access public lands, supports sportsmen and maintains conservation efforts. We must work together to streamline the path to recreation while also protecting the environment for generations to come.”

H.R. 3527 has received support from several groups and organizations, including the Outdoor Industry Association, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Wilderness Society, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the RV Industry Association, the American Horse Council, Oregon State University, the Archery Trade Association, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, among others.