IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2024 — The Motorcycle Industry Council, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America commend this week’s bipartisan passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a groundbreaking step forward in enhancing outdoor opportunities, economic vitality, and equitable access to public lands. The legislation is now headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“The powersports industry and the millions of recreational riders and drivers thank Senators Joe Manchin, John Barrasso, and Congressmen Bruce Westerman and Raúl Grijalva for their leadership in passing the EXPLORE Act,” said Christy LaCurelle, President and CEO of the MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA. “A commitment to the outdoor recreation industry is an investment in the health and wellness of America.”

The EXPLORE Act signifies a pivotal moment for the outdoor recreation economy, strengthening its foundation for growth while addressing critical needs in underserved communities. This landmark legislation is a testament to the advocacy efforts of the MIC, ROHVA, SVIA, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, and outdoor industry partners.

The EXPLORE Act introduces key measures to:

• Expand access to outdoor recreation for all Americans, particularly those in underserved and urban areas.
• Enhance opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation, ensuring diverse outdoor experiences for enthusiasts of all kinds.
• Strengthen the outdoor economy by investing in infrastructure and resources that benefit recreation-based businesses.
• Promote sustainable use of public lands through modernization efforts and public-private partnerships.
• Support local businesses and gateway communities that rely on outdoor tourism and recreation.

This legislation also highlights the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to address evolving challenges in outdoor recreation.

“This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation will allow more Americans to enjoy the outdoors by creating more opportunities for motorized access to federal recreational lands and by improving and modernizing recreation infrastructure, which in turn bolsters local communities and our nation’s economy,” LaCurelle said. “The passage of the EXPLORE Act comes on the heels of the latest U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report, which showed that in 2023, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output and continues to be a significant driver of our nation’s economy, and Motorcycling/ATVing is one of the top-five conventional outdoor recreation activities.”

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MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
The Motorcycle Industry Council, under its marquee market expansion brand, Ride With Us, is working to introduce everyone to the incomparable thrill of riding a motorcycle. The MIC is a not-for-profit trade association representing motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket companies, dealers, retailers, and a variety of related organizations providing vital support to the powersports industry. The MIC advocates for fair policy and regulatory environments, works to deliver valuable data to the industry, and strives to bring the joy of riding to everyone, everywhere.

Established in 1914, the MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. Keep up with the industry association on X @followMIC, online at MIC.org, and through the weekly MIC RideReport.

RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ASSOCIATION
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of ROVs (also called side-by-sides or UTVs). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ROHVA develops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ROVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., ROHVA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in the ROV Basic DriverCourse nearest you, visit ROHVA.org or call (866) 267-2751.

SPECIALTY VEHICLE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through rider training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also works to preserve access to off-road riding areas and expand riding opportunities. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the SVIA develops standards for equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ATVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Champion Motorsports Group, LLC; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Visit SVIA.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit ATVSafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.