President Obama Signs Shaheen-Gardner Legislation into Law, Requiring Federal Government to Measure Impact of Outdoor Recreation on U.S. Economy

Statement

Today, President Barack Obama signed into law legislation authored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) to require the federal government to measure the impact of the outdoor recreation on the economy. The bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2015, introduced in October 2015 by Shaheen, the lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee (SBC), and Gardner, an SBC member, will inform policy makers and business leaders on the jobs created, and the consumer spending driven by, the outdoor recreation economy. The House companion bill H.R. 4665 was introduced by Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). The bill unanimously passed in the House and then the Senate in November.

"I am proud that President Obama has signed this commonsense legislation into law, recognizing the outdoor recreation sector's important contributions to our economy," said Senator Shaheen. "In the Granite State, we know that preserving our natural treasures isn't just good for the environment; it's also a smart move for state and local economies. Policymakers need to see the full picture of the role that outdoor recreation plays in supporting jobs and economic growth, and craft policy accordingly."

"Outdoor recreation is a way of life in Colorado and is a major economic driver for many communities across the Centennial state," said Senator Gardner. "It's time the federal government measures outdoor recreation's economic impact and I'm pleased President Obama has signed this bipartisan legislation into law. Policymakers in Washington will now have a powerful tool at their disposal that will benefit all Americans by highlighting the industry's economic benefits in Colorado and across the United States."

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