The Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, or EXPLORE Act, was referred to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources as well as the House Committee on Agriculture and Committee on Veterans Affairs on Nov. 29.

The bill aims to improve and modernize infrastructure, increase access to public lands — specifically for veterans and people with disabilities — and streamline permitting processes.

Curtis said he’s pleased to see both Republicans and Democrats come together to support the legislation. Currently, 11 House Democrats and nine House Republicans, including Curtis, are sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill.

“I know people back home are longing for us to work together more often,” he said. “And this is an example of Republicans and Democrats finding a number of areas where we agree and particularly in an area that’s so important in my district and in Utah.”

Curtis’ congressional district holds two of Utah’s major national parks — Canyonlands and Arches — and other federally owned public lands. In 2022, tourism at Utah’s national parks brought in about $2.6 billion to the state’s economy, reported the Moab Times-Independent.

Speaking on national parks in Utah, Curtis said these public lands are struggling with a lack of infrastructure and technology to handle high visitation.

In 2021, four of Utah’s five national parks saw record visitation, according to KSL, but visitation numbers in 2022 were slightly lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Last year, Arches implemented a timed-entry pilot program during the peak season to address over-visitation.

“This (the bill) addresses everything from broadband access to better parking lots to better systems for accommodating crowds and a number of improvements that the parks in Utah and in my district will find a great advantage to them,” he said.

In regard to broadband access, the legislation would direct the installation or construction of internet infrastructure at developed federal recreation sites, where possible.

The bill also seeks to address issues faced by gateway communities, Curtis said, as visitation to national parks can cause a strain on those communities and their infrastructure.

In increasing accessibility to recreation lands, if passed, the bill directs federal agencies to make improvements to recreation areas, such as trails, to increase access for individuals with disabilities. It also seeks to promote access for veterans and military members as well as youth.

“I’m absolutely convinced that the time that we spend in the wilderness and in these parks is therapeutic,” Curtis said. “And I think we all come away from our experiences with these parks a little rejuvenated. I think it’s good for mental health. I think it’s good for physical health. So clearly, the opportunity to expand those who can participate in this is critically important.”

The House Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a public hearing Nov. 30 on the bill, which included testimony from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.

While he said even good legislation can move slowly at times, Curtis is optimistic that the bill can make it through the House quickly, noting its bipartisan backing and support from the chair of the Natural Resources Committee.

Other co-sponsors of the bill include lawmakers from nearby Colorado, Nevada and California.