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 "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 91
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-04: Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T21:27:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 91) aims to disapprove and nullify a specific decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The decision in question is the "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision" (ROD), issued on December 9, 2024. By invoking the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the resolution seeks to prevent this ROD from taking effect, effectively blocking a planned oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain area (part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska).
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the BLM's ROD, declaring it to have "no force or effect." This uses the CRA, a law that allows Congress to review and overturn certain federal agency actions classified as "rules."
- Reference to Supporting Opinion: The resolution cites a Government Accountability Office (GAO) letter dated August 25, 2025 (published in the Congressional Record on September 2, 2025), which determined that the ROD qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA, making it eligible for congressional review.
- Procedural Path: Introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both from Alaska) on October 28, 2025, the resolution was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources but discharged by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c) on December 2, 2025, and placed on the Senate calendar for a vote.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend or create new laws but applies the existing CRA to override an executive branch action. The CRA itself (enacted in 1996) provides a mechanism for Congress to veto agency rules within a 60-day window (legislative days) after submission. Here, it marks a direct congressional intervention to halt an agency program authorized under prior laws, such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which mandated oil and gas leasing in the Coastal Plain.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The BLM's leasing program would be stopped, requiring the agency to abandon or revise its plans. This could lead to delays in resource management and potential legal challenges if the resolution passes.
- On Citizens: Alaskan communities, particularly Indigenous groups and those reliant on oil revenues, may face economic setbacks from halted leasing. Environmental advocates could benefit from preserved wildlife habitats, reducing risks to ecosystems in the Arctic.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect U.S. energy exports and global oil markets by limiting domestic production in a sensitive Arctic region, potentially influencing perceptions of U.S. environmental policy abroad.
- Broader Effects: If enacted, it would prevent auctions for oil and gas leases, potentially saving federal lands from development while forgoing revenue from royalties and jobs in the energy sector.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the BLM and Department of the Interior, which lose authority to implement the leasing program.
- Energy Industry: Oil and gas companies (e.g., those bidding on leases) would be blocked from accessing new reserves, impacting investment and production.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations like the Sierra Club or wildlife advocates benefit from the halt to drilling in a biodiversity hotspot.
- Alaskan Residents and Indigenous Communities: Local economies tied to oil (e.g., in the North Slope) could suffer job losses, while others prioritize protection of traditional lands and subsistence resources.
- Congress and Policymakers: Senators from energy-producing states (like Alaska) push for or against it, highlighting regional interests.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA's fast-track process, which bypasses normal committee procedures and allows a simple majority vote in both chambers, followed by presidential signature (or veto override). The GAO's opinion is key, as it reclassifies a non-binding "record of decision" (a planning document under the National Environmental Policy Act) as a reviewable "rule," expanding CRA's scope.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight of the executive branch under Article I, checking agency actions without violating separation of powers. However, it could spark lawsuits over whether the ROD truly qualifies as a rule.
- Political: Introduced by Republican senators from Alaska, it reflects partisan divides on energy vs. conservation. Passage would signal congressional pushback against executive environmental policies, potentially influencing future agency rulemaking and debates over Arctic development. If vetoed by the president, it could lead to a high-stakes override attempt.
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
- 2025-12-04: Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-03: Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S8473)
- 2025-12-03: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 47. Record Vote Number: 630. (Roll call 630)
- 2025-12-02: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 280.
- 2025-12-02: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-12-02: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-10-28: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-10-28: 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 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision. — issued 2025-10-28 — 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 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision. — issued 2025-12-02 — PDF (4 pages)