Last week, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on several bills related to the outdoors and hunting issues. A number of the bills discussed focus on expanding access and eliminating burdensome regulations for hunters, anglers, and other outdoorsmen and women. SCI is strongly supportive of these bipartisan efforts as we continue to work for a No-Net-Loss or better policy of hunting access across the country. Here are the highlighted bills in consideration:
S. 3266: The Outdoor Recreation Act, introduced by Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso “to improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes.” This would increase recreation opportunities, such as creating shooting ranges in all BLM Districts and National Forests and improve recreation opportunities and infrastructure, such as invasive aquatic species mitigation.
S. 1874: The Recreation Not Red Tape Act, introduced by Senator Wyden promotes “innovative approaches to outdoor recreation on Federal land and to increase opportunities for collaboration with non-Federal partners.” This will reduce regulatory burdens through a cohesive permitting system and other efforts, especially for hunters.
S. 1616: The Federal Interior Land Media (FILM) Act, introduced by Ranking Member Barrasso will “provide exceptions from permitting and fee requirements for content creation, regardless of distribution platform, including digital or analog video and digital or analog audio recording activities, conducted on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior.” This legislation will modernize outdated, expensive, and burdensome film permitting requirements and other red tape which currently do not distinguish between huge film crews and small groups or independent individuals.
“These are sound policies rooted in true conservation practices allowing more Americans to protect and enjoy the outdoors” said Ben Cassidy, SCI’s EVP for Government & Public Affairs. “Safari Club International will continue to fight for these and other policies to expand access for hunters across the country. We want to thank the Senators leading these efforts and encourage the full Senate to pass these important bills”.
To stand with SCI, sign our No-Net-Loss petition to protect our access to Federal public lands!
