Klobuchar-Backed Bipartisan Legislation to Detail Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation on U.S. Economy Passes Senate, Heads to President's Desk to be Signed into Law

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation that she has backed to detail the economic benefits of outdoor recreation on the U.S. economy passed the Senate this week and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The Outdoor Recreation's Economic Contributions (REC) Act would inform policymakers and business leaders on the jobs created and the consumer spending driven by the outdoor recreation economy.

"In Minnesota, we know that outdoor recreation is an important contributor to our state's economy. As the industry continues to grow, we need to understand its impact on the national-level," Klobuchar said. "With the Senate's passage of this bipartisan bill, policymakers and business leaders will be empowered with the data they need to create more good jobs and further strengthen our economy."

The Outdoor REC Act was introduced by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The legislation would require the Bureau of Economic Analysis to account for the impact of the multi-billion dollar outdoor recreation industry in their publicly available reports.

Following efforts from Klobuchar, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced in April that it would work with the U.S. Department of Commerce to produce a national report detailing the economic benefits of our country's outdoor economy. Last year, Klobuchar and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter urging the Administration to undertake a new nationwide study that will provide businesses and policymakers with the data they need to make informed decisions and ensure that our outdoor economy continues to thrive.

Source