A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 62
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-07: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 180.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T21:24:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 62) aims to disapprove and nullify a specific administrative decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior. The decision in question is the "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan," issued on January 14, 2025. The resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that allows Congress to review and overturn certain federal agency rules, to prevent this plan from taking effect.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the BLM's North Dakota resource management plan, declaring it to have no legal force or effect if the resolution passes.
- Reference to GAO Opinion: The resolution cites a June 25, 2025, opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that audits government operations, which determined that the BLM's plan qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA. This opinion was published in the Congressional Record on June 26, 2025.
- Procedural Steps: Introduced by Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven (both from North Dakota) on July 10, 2025, and placed on the Senate calendar on October 7, 2025, after the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was discharged by petition under CRA procedures.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend or create new laws but invokes the CRA to override an existing agency action. The CRA itself (enacted in 1996) gives Congress a limited window—typically 60 legislative days—to disapprove rules issued by federal agencies, effectively blocking their implementation without needing presidential approval if passed by both chambers of Congress.
- By targeting this specific BLM plan, it reverses the agency's authority to implement the resource management decisions for federal lands in North Dakota, which might otherwise guide activities like energy development, conservation, or land use for years.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The BLM would be prohibited from enforcing the disapproved plan, potentially requiring the agency to revisit or develop a new resource management strategy for North Dakota's federal lands. This could delay or alter federal land use policies in the region.
- On Citizens and Local Interests: Residents, businesses, and communities in North Dakota—particularly those involved in energy production (e.g., oil and gas), agriculture, or environmental protection—may see changes in how federal lands are managed, affecting economic opportunities, environmental regulations, or access to resources.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined, as this is a domestic land management issue focused on U.S. federal lands.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the BLM, which manages about 245 million acres of public lands nationwide, including those in North Dakota.
- Congressional Representatives: Senators from North Dakota (Cramer and Hoeven), who introduced the resolution, representing state interests.
- Local and State Entities: North Dakota government, energy industry groups (e.g., oil and gas producers), environmental organizations, ranchers, and indigenous communities with ties to federal lands in the state.
- General Public: Taxpayers and users of public lands, who could benefit from or be hindered by shifts in resource management priorities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Reinforces the CRA's role as a tool for congressional oversight of the executive branch, ensuring agency actions like resource plans are subject to legislative review. The GAO's opinion is key, as it legally classifies the BLM's decision as reviewable under the CRA, avoiding debates over whether it's a "rule" (a formal agency regulation with binding effect).
- Constitutional Implications: Highlights the separation of powers, where Congress checks executive agencies to maintain legislative authority over public lands, as outlined in Article IV of the U.S. Constitution (federal property management).
- Political Implications: This resolution reflects partisan or regional priorities, particularly in energy-rich states like North Dakota, where disputes over federal land use (e.g., drilling vs. conservation) are common. Its passage could set a precedent for using the CRA to challenge Biden-era (or similar) environmental policies, potentially leading to expedited Senate votes without committee debate. If enacted, it would take effect immediately upon congressional passage and presentment to the President, who could veto it.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-07: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 180.
- 2025-10-07: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-10-07: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-07-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-07-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan. — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (2 pages)
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan. — issued 2025-10-07 — PDF (4 pages)