Western governors push lawmakers on outdoor package

By Amelia Davidson | 09/04/2024 04:23 PM EDT

Broad outdoor recreation legislation may be on track to becoming law this year.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks on Aug. 9, 2023, in Belen, New Mexico.

New Mexico Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, chair of the Western Governors' Association, is lobbying Senate leaders on outdoor recreation legislation. Alex Brandon/AP

A bipartisan group of governors is asking Senate leaders to approve a sweeping outdoor recreation package in the coming weeks.

The Western Governors’ Association — which represents 22 state and territorial chief executives — weighed in on the “Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act,” which would overhaul federal policy governing recreation on public lands.

The House passed H.R. 6492 in April. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) has moved to include a version of the legislation as an amendment to the must-pass annual defense authorization.

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The bill is broadly bipartisan and has the support of hundreds of outdoor business and advocacy groups. The WGA highlighted provisions with the backing of all members, a spokesperson said.

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