There’s something special about places such as the Buffalo National River, Beaver Lake, and the White River National Wildlife Refuge. It’s not just that these are some of the most beautiful parts of my home state of Arkansas. It’s that, as public lands, they belong to every single one of us.
Right now, the EXPLORE Act, which promises to increase access to those public lands, is making historic strides in Congress. I’m proud to support this landmark legislation.
Tourism is Arkansas’ second largest industry, contributing $9.2 billion to our economy in 2022. Outdoor recreation plays a big role in welcoming tourists to our state. The EXPLORE Act promises to grow our outdoor economy by improving public land amenities and inviting more Arkansans and tourists to these spaces.
Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, is spearheading this legislation and led it to unanimous passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Anyone who knows Bruce knows his commitment to this issue. His district stretches from the Ozarks in the north to the Piney Woods in the south and is anchored by the tourism hub of Hot Springs. As the only licensed forester in Congress, he’s committed to protecting our outdoor spaces while also facilitating their proper use.
The EXPLORE Act does both — at no cost to the taxpayer. In Arkansas, this legislation would open overnight campgrounds and expand parking lots and other facilities across the state. Nationwide, it would streamline permits and reduce fees for outfitters and guides, help build and maintain hiking paths, biking trails, rock climbing routes, and other amenities, and increase accessibility for visitors through expanded broadband and other modern technology. It would also help groups such as veterans, service members, families, and those with disabilities access public lands. Every state — and every American — would benefit.
The EXPLORE Act is common sense, which is why it’s attracted bipartisan support in Congress and breezed through passage in the House of Representatives.
This legislation also aligns well with my administration’s goals here in Arkansas. I created the Natural State Initiative at the beginning of my term to help boost outdoor recreation and tourism. My husband, Bryan, chairs the group of public, private, and nonprofit sector experts and has already helped our state attract more tourist dollars than ever before. Tourism revenue in each month of 2023 set a new record, and 2024 is on track to break records again.
My administration will continue to improve state parks, support outdoor entrepreneurs, and expand outdoor access for everyday Arkansans.
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I commend Rep. Westerman and the rest of our delegation for their support of this bill and look forward to its quick passage in the Senate. Our nation’s public lands are one of our greatest natural resources — and they belong to all of us.
Let’s help every American access their natural inheritance. Let’s pass the EXPLORE Act.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the governor of Arkansas.
