Recreation’s Economic Contributions (REC) Act (S. 2219/ H.R. 4665)

 

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The REC Act ensures that the outdoor recreation economy, including outdoor industry jobs and our economic impact, are measured by the federal government and accounted for as part of the national Gross Domestic Product. This breakthrough legislation has now been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and, if passed, may result in positive policy trends for outdoor businesses and enthusiasts. The REC Act legislation requires the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Labor, in consultation with federal land management agencies, to provide economic metrics and other statistics on our industry’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Notes:

• Bipartisan and bicameral legislation introduced by Representatives Don Beyer (D, VA), Dave Reichert (R, WA), Peter Welch (D, VT) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D, NH) and Cory Gardner (R, CO).

• The legislation directs the Department of Commerce to work with the Department of Labor and the land and water management agencies to quantify the outdoor recreation economy.

• While OIA’s economic report—which quantified our $646 billion industry that employs 6.1 million Americans and contributes $80 billion to local, state and federal tax revenue—will remain relevant, federal statistics in this area are important to providing annual, objective government data.

• This study will provide more information for policy makers to make more informed recreation policy and business decisions at the local, state and federal levels, and brings our industry one step closer to being recognized as a powerful contributor to the U.S. economy.

• This legislation is supported by dozens of organizations and businesses, including sportsmen, conservation and parks groups, the motorized community and recreation advocacy groups.

Supporting Organizations:

22 Designs

Access Fund

America Outdoors Association

American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC)

American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA)

American Hiking Society (AHS)

American Recreation Coalition (ARC)

American Sportfishing Association

Angler’s Covey

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA)

Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club

Black Diamond

Burton

CamelBak

Cascade Designs

Certified Guides Cooperative

Choose Outdoors

Confluence

Conservation Legacy

Eagle Creek

Fishpond

Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association

Ibex outdoor Clothing

Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association

Marmot

Moab Adventure Center

Motorcycle Industry Council

Mountain Tools

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

National Park Hospitality Association (NPHA)

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)

National Wildlife Federation

Nemo Equipment

Nester Hosiery

New Normal Consulting, LLC

Northwest Motorcycle Association

Nuf Said Advertising

Osprey Packs

Outdoor Afro Outdoor Alliance (OA)

Outdoor Divas

Outdoor Research

Pacific Market International

Pack Rat Outdoor Center

Peak Magazine

PeopleForBikes

Recreation Vehicle Industry Association

Redington

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

Recreation Northwest

Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association

Rio

Sage

Sanitas Sales Group

SmartWool

SnowSports Industries America

Tahoe Mountain Sports

The North Face

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP)

Vans

Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance

Watershed, LLC.

Western River Expeditions

Western Spirit Cycling

Winter Wildlands Alliance

Yakima