H.J.Res. 104 · 119th Congress · House
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 "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision a
Introduced 2025-07-10 · Sponsored by Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2] (R-MT) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-12-11): Became Public Law No: 119-48.
Summary
Reopens 1.7 million acres in southeastern Montana to coal leasing by overturning a BLM land management plan that had made zero acres available for new coal development. The Biden-era plan effectively shut down future coal leasing in the Miles City Field Office area, and this resolution reverses that decision.
The Good
Restores coal leasing access in Montana
The overturned BLM rule had made zero acres available for coal leasing in the Miles City Field Office area and removed 1.7 million acres from consideration. Reversing this keeps energy production options open in a region where coal mining supports local economies.
Preserves existing mining jobs and community revenue
Coal mining operations in southeastern Montana provide direct employment and generate royalty payments that fund local schools and infrastructure. The BLM plan would have phased out these economic foundations without an immediate replacement industry.
The Bad
Reverses environmental protections for 1.7 million acres
The BLM plan removed these lands from coal leasing consideration after environmental review found significant impacts to air quality, water resources, and wildlife habitat. Overturning the rule reopens these areas without requiring a new environmental assessment.
Locks in fossil fuel development at the expense of climate goals
New coal leases commit public lands to decades of carbon-intensive extraction. Under the Congressional Review Act, the agency cannot issue a substantially similar rule in the future, permanently limiting BLM's ability to manage these lands for climate considerations.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-10-08
Passage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #549
Senate vote by state
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Senate, 2025-10-07
Motion to Proceed
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #548
Senate vote by state
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House, 2025-09-03
Passage (House)
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #224
House vote by state
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