House approves Natural Resources Management Act, awaits President Trump’s signature

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47) – bipartisan legislation would bolster conservation efforts and access to public lands and waters. NMMA applauded the bill’s passage – a top priority of the outdoor recreation community – and urged President Trump to sign it into law.

“The House’s unanimous approval of the National Resources Management Act – following the Senate’s overwhelming vote earlier this month – is the latest reminder that conserving our public lands and waterways is an issue that unites us,” said NMMA president, Thom Dammrich. “NMMA thanks Representative Raúl Grijalva, Representative Rob Bishop, and House leadership for swiftly picking up the baton and passing this important legislation, and we now call on President Trump to promptly sign the bill into law.”

Dammrich continued, “First and foremost, this legislation permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which will responsibly increase access to recreational fishing on America’s public waters. Additionally, the bill provides greater local control over water management and private investment incentives for maintaining public lands and waters. Also included in this legislation are The Every Kid Outdoors Act and the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act – two key outdoor recreation provisions. 

“Outdoor recreation is crucial to America’s economy – supporting 4.5 million jobs and representing 2.2 percent of U.S. GDP – and the 116th Congress has shown that protecting and advancing the industry is a bipartisan priority. In the coming months, we look forward to working with lawmakers on additional issues to ensure that the outdoor recreation industry – along with our natural resources – continues to thrive.”