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CosmeticWhat changed in PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Oct 28, 2025)

Technical and procedural updates only. v2 adds information indicating the joint resolution was discharged from committee by petition and placed on the Senate calendar, along with its calendar number. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the resolution.

S.J.Res. 91·119th Congress·Introduced Oct 28, 2025

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".

Senate Committee DischargedEnergyMajor
View bill text
Sponsor
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Committees
Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action
Dec 4, 2025

Bottom line

This resolution seeks to overturn a Bureau of Land Management decision to allow oil and gas leasing in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) using the Congressional Review Act.

What it actually does

This joint resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to formally disapprove a rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on December 9, 2024, concerning the "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the BLM's rule, preventing it from taking effect and prohibiting the agency from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without specific congressional authorization.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that the BLM's rule undermines critical environmental protections for the sensitive Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a vital ecosystem and sacred area for indigenous communities. They contend that congressional disapproval is essential to safeguard this national treasure from industrial oil and gas development, preserving its unique biodiversity, wildlife, and cultural significance for future generations.

Opponents contend

Opponents of this resolution, who support the underlying BLM rule, assert that the rule facilitates responsible energy development in an area designated by prior legislation for leasing, enhancing domestic energy security and creating economic opportunities. They argue that the Coastal Plain holds significant oil and gas reserves that can be extracted with minimal environmental impact using modern technologies, contributing to Alaska's economy and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.

The bill text is exceptionally brief and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for public review and understanding.

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

Disapproval of BLM Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on December 9, 2024, regarding the "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision." By disapproving this rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the resolution aims to nullify the BLM's decision, preventing any oil and gas leasing activities in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) that would have been authorized by that specific rule. Furthermore, the CRA mechanism prevents the agency from reissuing a substantially similar rule without new statutory authorization.

GroupImpactMechanismScale
GroupEnvironmental advocacy groups and conservationistsImpactPositiveMechanismPrevents oil and gas development in a sensitive ecosystem.ScaleNational and international environmental significance.
GroupOil and gas industryImpactNegativeMechanismBlocks access to potential drilling sites in the Coastal Plain.ScaleSignificant impact on future domestic energy production and investment in the region.
GroupIndigenous communities (e.g., Gwich'in Nation)ImpactPositiveMechanismPrevents industrial activity that could disrupt caribou migration and traditional ways of life.ScaleDirect impact on cultural heritage and food security.
GroupAlaskan state government and residentsImpactMixed (potential negative fiscal impact, positive for environmental priorities)MechanismEliminates potential state revenue from leasing bonuses and royalties.ScaleSignificant for state budget and economic development.

Supporters argue

Supporters of the disapproval resolution argue that the Coastal Plain of ANWR is a unique and ecologically vital area, often referred to as the "sacred place where life begins" by indigenous communities, and that it should be permanently protected from industrial development. They contend that the BLM's rule, which would open this area to oil and gas leasing, poses unacceptable risks to wildlife, particularly the Porcupine Caribou Herd, and exacerbates climate change. They believe that Congress has a responsibility to overturn executive actions that threaten national treasures and prioritize short-term resource extraction over long-term environmental stewardship.

Critics contend

Opponents of the disapproval resolution (i.e., those who support the BLM rule) argue that the rule implements a lawful directive from Congress to allow for responsible energy development in a small portion of ANWR. They assert that the Coastal Plain holds significant oil and gas reserves that are crucial for national energy security and economic prosperity, especially for Alaska. They contend that modern drilling techniques can minimize environmental impact and that the revenue generated from leasing would benefit both federal and state coffers, supporting public services and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.

Tradeoffs

The resolution highlights a fundamental tension between energy development, economic opportunity, and environmental conservation. It forces a choice between utilizing potential domestic oil and gas reserves in a sensitive Arctic ecosystem and preserving that ecosystem for its ecological value, wildlife, and indigenous cultural significance. It also involves a tension between executive agency authority and congressional oversight via the CRA.

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.

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