On November 30, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.-44) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) co-hosted a press conference in support for the Outdoors for All Act. The Act aims to bolster investment in green spaces within under-resourced communities by enshrining the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program in federal law.

 
Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), sponsors of the Senate version of the act, also joined the press conference. Kristine Stratton, NRPA President and CEO, stressed the urgency of the bill in saying, "More than 100 million people live without a quality park within walking distance. The Outdoors for All Act safeguards ORLP program grant funds for low-income, urbanized areas."

Ben Jealous, Executive Director of Sierra Club, highlighted the broader importance of outdoor access as he explained, "Passing the Outdoors for All Act is a critical action Congress can take to ensure all of us can easily access quality green spaces and enjoy outdoor recreation."

City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel also stressed the importance of parks as critical urban infrastructure and hailed the act's potential to expand access, provide job opportunities, and empower youth in needful communities.

The Outdoors for All Act has garnered support from various organizations, including The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Trust for Public Lands, and REI Co-op, signaling a collective commitment to universal park access.
https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/u.s.-rep.-nanette-diaz-barragan-leads-rally-in-support-for-outdoors-for-all-act/