[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            OUTDOOR RECREATION'S ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I commend the House on its adoption of 
the Outdoor Recreation's Economic Contributions Act, which directs the 
Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis to assess and 
analyze the U.S. outdoor recreation economy and the effects 
attributable to it on the overall U.S. economy.
  In Oregon and across the country, an increasing number of Americans 
enjoy recreating outdoors. In fact, at least two-thirds of Oregonians 
participate in outdoor recreation each year. From the magnificent 
Columbia River Gorge to trails and creeks throughout our forests, 
canyons, and deserts, these open spaces and recreation areas are vital 
to individuals, families, businesses, and communities.
  Outdoor recreation opportunities in Oregon and nationwide support 
healthy communities, create jobs, generate tax revenue, and support a 
high quality of life. Americans spend $646 billion per year on outdoor 
recreation gear, vehicles, trips, and more. In Oregon, outdoor 
recreation generates over $12 billion in consumer spending, tens of 
thousands of jobs, and $4 billion in wages and salaries. Additionally, 
supporting sustainable outdoor recreation can also help protect 
important ecological, watershed, and fish and wildlife values that 
underpin high quality recreation experiences.
  Outdoor recreation is vitally important to Oregonians and Oregon's 
economy, and this legislation will provide us with the information 
needed to guide our land and water policy to support this important 
industry.

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