House · HJRES 105 · 119th Congress
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".
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Summary
This bill cancels a federal land management plan for North Dakota issued in January 2025. The plan, made by the Bureau of Land Management, set new limits on oil, gas, and coal development on public lands. Canceling it means those limits no longer apply to energy companies working in the area.
In Favor
Canceling this plan lets energy companies drill in low-potential areas and expand coal mining near existing mines again. The 2025 restrictions threatened active permits and discouraged new investment in North Dakota's energy sector. Restoring prior rules protects jobs and keeps production levels stable for communities that depend on energy revenues.
Against
Drilling in low-potential areas risks damaging soil, water sources, and wildlife habitat for limited energy gain. The 1988 plan is over 40 years old and does not reflect current ecological science or land-use pressures. Canceling the 2025 update removes protections that kept coal expansion from harming land and water near existing mines.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This resolution cancels a federal land management plan issued by the Bureau of Land Management for North Dakota in January 2025. The plan set new rules for how public lands in North Dakota could be used.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The resolution stays on topic. All of its provisions focus on canceling one specific Bureau of Land Management plan for North Dakota and giving it no legal force.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
The Bureau of Land Management loses its authority to enforce the 2025 North Dakota plan. Companies or individuals seeking to develop oil, gas, or coal on affected public lands in North Dakota are also directly involved.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The resolution does not authorize or appropriate federal funds. It removes rules that limited oil, gas, and coal activity on certain public lands, which may shift what development is permitted without spending federal money directly.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Congress must rely on the Government Accountability Office finding that the land plan counts as a rule under the relevant law. If that finding were challenged, the legal basis for using this cancellation process could come into question.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 5/31/2026