ORR members testify before Congress on outdoor recreation economy

Outdoor recreation will be at the forefront of conversations on Capitol Hill this week. For the first time, the House Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing focused solely on outdoor recreation. The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its members said they have been working with offices of Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) and Ranking Member Steve Chabot (OH-01) on how Congress can address the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the outdoor recreation industry.

The hearing, “Force of Nature: The Power of Small Businesses in America’s Recreational Infrastructure” will feature ORR witnesses and the newly released Bureau of Economic Analysis state reports. The hearing will “examine the economic impact of the outdoor recreational infrastructure, how small businesses contribute to this industry, and how the federal government can ensure the industry continues to positively impact the economy through a comprehensive infrastructure package.” ORR said it is proud to have three members who own small businesses and an expert industry economist testifying.

Recreation will also be the focus of a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee the following day as the committee considers two ORR priority bills, Recreation Not Red-Tape Act (S. 1967) and Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (S. 1665). ORR said these important pieces of legislation are supported by businesses and nonprofits across the industry and will help ensure the continued growth of this vibrant sector.