Washington, D.C. — House Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday passed eight bills, including the EXPLORE Act on which Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is an original cosponsor.

The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, introduced in November by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), will improve access and transform outdoor recreation opportunities on America’s public lands.

Also passed, the Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023, sponsored by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), which congressionally authorizes the federal Coastal Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The bipartisan EXPLORE Act strengthens and supports parks and recreational areas, and outdoor programs for youth throughout the nation,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Other bills reauthorize coastal conservation efforts by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and work to prevent energy poverty in localities vulnerable to rising fuel and energy costs.”

The Committee passed the Energy Poverty Prevention and Accountability Act requiring reviews of laws affecting price increases, and highlighting the impacts of energy poverty on at risk communities. Sponsored in the House by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), the bicameral bill was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska.