WASHINGTON, D.C. — Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jessica Turner released the following statement marking the sixth anniversary of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) becoming law and urging Congress to reauthorize and improve it:
“Six years ago, a bipartisan majority in Congress and the President proved that investing in America’s public lands and waters is one of the smartest bets we can make on our economy, our communities, our health, and our future. Since then, GAOA has rebuilt trails, roads, and visitor facilities, delivered jobs in rural communities, strengthened small businesses, and kept the outdoors within reach for millions of Americans.
“As America marks its 250th anniversary, there is no better way to honor that heritage than to build on this bipartisan success. Outdoor recreation now contributes $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 5.2 million jobs, while our public lands and waters continue to welcome record numbers of visitors. Every single day, $351 million in economic activity is generated from recreation on federal lands and waters.
“Conserving and maintaining access to our shared natural resources for recreation is not only a business imperative but also a consistent, high-return investment in the nation’s health and economic growth. Congress can keep it going by passing the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act, which would reauthorize and improve GAOA’s investments, so these places remain healthy, accessible, and ready to inspire the next generation. GAOA proved what is possible when Republicans and Democrats invest in the outdoors together. We urge lawmakers in both parties to finish the job this Congress and carry America’s outdoor legacy forward for the next 250 years.”
Background:
- Last month, ORR along with over 200 outdoor recreation businesses and trade associations representing America’s $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift passage of the America the Beautiful Act. (July 21, 2026)
- ORRA Praises House Committee Action on Legacy Restoration Fund Legislation (June 26, 2026)
- Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Statement on Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Passage of the America the Beautiful Act (June 17, 2026)
- ORR Praises Bipartisan House Action on Great American Outdoors Act 250 (June 12, 2026)
ABOUT ORR
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in economic output (2.4% of GDP) and accounts for 5.2 million jobs.