EXPLORE Act

1/24/2025, 6:06 PM

Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act or EXPLORE Act

This bill sets forth policies for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture related to recreation on certain public lands.

Issues addressed include

  • itemized budget information for outdoor recreation across departments; 
  • long-distance bike trails; 
  • recreational climbing activities; 
  • target shooting ranges; 
  • overnight campsites in Arkansas; 
  • filming and still photography; 
  • motorized and nonmotorized access; 
  • invasive species; 
  • gateway communities; 
  • real-time information for the public on visitor levels; 
  • broadband and cellular service;
  • public-private partnerships; 
  • access for persons with disabilities to trails and recreation opportunities; 
  • recreational and job opportunities for military members and veterans; 
  • youth access to recreational lands; 
  • issuance of special recreation permits;
  • a digital version of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass;
  • extension of seasonal recreation opportunities; and 
  • volunteers on public recreational lands.
The EXPLORE Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 6492, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to promote the exploration and development of space resources. The bill seeks to establish a legal framework for commercial activities in space, including mining and extraction of resources such as water and minerals.

The EXPLORE Act outlines guidelines for companies and individuals interested in engaging in space resource utilization, including obtaining licenses and adhering to environmental regulations. It also addresses issues related to property rights and liability in space, ensuring that companies are held accountable for any damages caused during their activities.

Additionally, the bill encourages collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and international partners to further space exploration efforts. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in space resource utilization and aims to promote responsible stewardship of celestial bodies. Overall, the EXPLORE Act is designed to facilitate the growth of the space industry and encourage innovation in space exploration. It provides a legal framework for companies to engage in commercial activities in space while ensuring that environmental and ethical considerations are taken into account.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 6492

Introduced on
2023-11-29

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

4/9/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President
Signed by President
Became Public Law

Purpose and Summary

Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act or EXPLORE Act

This bill sets forth policies for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture related to recreation on certain public lands.

Issues addressed include

  • itemized budget information for outdoor recreation across departments; 
  • long-distance bike trails; 
  • recreational climbing activities; 
  • target shooting ranges; 
  • overnight campsites in Arkansas; 
  • filming and still photography; 
  • motorized and nonmotorized access; 
  • invasive species; 
  • gateway communities; 
  • real-time information for the public on visitor levels; 
  • broadband and cellular service;
  • public-private partnerships; 
  • access for persons with disabilities to trails and recreation opportunities; 
  • recreational and job opportunities for military members and veterans; 
  • youth access to recreational lands; 
  • issuance of special recreation permits;
  • a digital version of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass;
  • extension of seasonal recreation opportunities; and 
  • volunteers on public recreational lands.
The EXPLORE Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 6492, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to promote the exploration and development of space resources. The bill seeks to establish a legal framework for commercial activities in space, including mining and extraction of resources such as water and minerals.

The EXPLORE Act outlines guidelines for companies and individuals interested in engaging in space resource utilization, including obtaining licenses and adhering to environmental regulations. It also addresses issues related to property rights and liability in space, ensuring that companies are held accountable for any damages caused during their activities.

Additionally, the bill encourages collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and international partners to further space exploration efforts. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in space resource utilization and aims to promote responsible stewardship of celestial bodies. Overall, the EXPLORE Act is designed to facilitate the growth of the space industry and encourage innovation in space exploration. It provides a legal framework for companies to engage in commercial activities in space while ensuring that environmental and ethical considerations are taken into account.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact
Advisory bodies
Aquatic ecology
Congressional oversight
Digital media
Disability and health-based discrimination
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Firearms and explosives
Geography and mapping
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Housing and community development funding
Intergovernmental relations
Internet, web applications, social media
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Marine and inland water transportation
Motor vehicles
Outdoor recreation
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Pedestrians and bicycling
Photography and imaging
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Sports and recreation facilities
Telephone and wireless communication
User charges and fees
Veterans' medical care
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Comments

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Remy Shields
@jujube_tasmanian_pepper_peruvian_pepper80585
Not a fan of it.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/7/2025

Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act or EXPLORE Act

This bill sets forth policies for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture related to recreation on certain public lands.


Latest Action1/4/2025
Became Public Law No: 118-234.