H.J.Res. 151119th CongressIntroduced Mar 4, 2026

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 "Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan".

IntroducedPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesMajor

Sponsor: Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 4, 2026

Bottom line

This resolution seeks to overturn a Bureau of Land Management rule that established a new resource management plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, effectively reinstating prior management directives or requiring new action.

What it actually does

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Specifically, it targets the "Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan" issued on January 13, 2025, which the Government Accountability Office (GAO) determined to be a rule under the CRA. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the BLM's rule, preventing it from having any force or effect.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that the BLM's rule oversteps its authority, imposes undue restrictions on land use, or fails to adequately consider local economic interests and traditional uses within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. They contend that congressional disapproval is necessary to restore balance and ensure proper management that aligns with congressional intent or local community needs.

Opponents contend

Opponents would argue that the BLM's rule is a carefully considered plan designed to protect the unique ecological, cultural, and scientific resources of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. They would assert that overturning the rule through the CRA undermines science-based land management, jeopardizes conservation efforts, and sets a dangerous precedent for congressional interference in agency expertise.

The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves...

Disapproval of BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante Rule

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the "Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan." It further declares that this rule, issued on January 13, 2025, and deemed a rule under the Congressional Review Act by the GAO, "shall have no force or effect." This effectively nullifies the BLM's management plan for the monument.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupBureau of Land Management (BLM)ImpactLoss of authority to implement the specific resource management plan.MechanismCongressional disapproval under CRA.ScaleDirect and immediate nullification of a major policy document.

GroupEnvironmental conservation groupsImpactNegative, as the disapproved plan likely contained protections they supported.MechanismNullification of the rule.Scale

GroupLocal communities and industries (e.g., mining, grazing, recreation)ImpactPotentially positive or negative, depending on how the disapproved plan affected their interests. Those seeking less restrictive land use would benefit.MechanismRemoval of specific regulations or management directives.Scale

Supporters argue

Supporters of the resolution argue that the BLM's rule was an overreach or detrimental to local economic interests, and its disapproval allows for a more balanced approach to land management that respects multiple uses and local input.

Critics contend

Opponents of the resolution contend that the BLM's rule was developed through a thorough process to protect the monument's unique resources, and its nullification undermines conservation efforts and sound scientific management.

Tradeoffs

The resolution highlights the tension between federal agency expertise in land management and congressional oversight, as well as the ongoing debate between conservation priorities and economic development interests within national monuments.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.