Lawmakers move to void Arctic refuge drilling lease rules
Signed into lawH.J.Res. 131Latest action
Sponsor: Nicholas J. Begich III · Representative · AK
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Official title: 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.
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Congress could nullify BLM's December 2024 rules for oil and gas leasing in the Arctic refuge's Coastal Plain.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill uses the to cancel a BLM Record of Decision from December 2024 that set leasing rules and terms for oil and gas drilling in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. If passed, the BLM's decision would have no legal effect.
Who does it affect?
Affects energy companies seeking leases in the Coastal Plain, Alaska Native communities and residents near the refuge, and environmental groups concerned about wildlife protections there.
Why does it matter?
Nullifying the decision would eliminate the leasing terms and conditions the BLM had established, leaving the regulatory status of drilling in this area unresolved. It also illustrates Congress's power to override specific agency rules on land-use and energy policy.
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This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedOct 10, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-52.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
Senate · · Roll call 632
As recorded
- Question
- On the H.J.Res. 131
- Result:
- Joint Resolution Passed
- 49
- Nay
- 45
- 0
- 6
Republicans 49 yes, 1 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 42 no, 3 not voting · Independents 2 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
House · · Roll call 295
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 217
- Nay
- 209
- 0
- 7
Republicans 214 yes, 1 no, 4 not voting · Democrats 3 yes, 208 no, 3 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record