Senate Passes Chesapeake National Recreation Act

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed several significant outdoor recreation and conservation bills, including the 'Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act' and the 'Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA) Act'. The EXPLORE Act aims to enhance outdoor recreation policy, increase internet access, and streamline permitting processes for public lands. Meanwhile, the CNRA Act seeks to designate parts of the Chesapeake Bay as a National Recreation Area under the National Park Service, promoting conservation and public access while emphasizing cultural and historical narratives. Both bills now require approval from the House of Representatives before being sent to President Biden for final signatures. Additionally, a separate bill improving access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument also passed the Senate, although its future in the House remains uncertain due to legislative time constraints. These initiatives reflect a growing bipartisan effort to enhance public lands and support local economies.