H.J.Res. 105 · 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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision
Introduced 2025-07-10 · Sponsored by Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large] (R-ND) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-12-11): Became Public Law No: 119-49.
Summary
Throws out a BLM land management plan that restricted oil, gas, and coal development on federal land in North Dakota. The plan limited drilling in areas deemed low-potential and only allowed new coal leasing within four miles of existing mines. This resolution scraps those restrictions and reverts to the previous, more permissive 1988 plan.
The Good
Reopens North Dakota lands for oil and gas development
The overturned BLM rule restricted oil and gas development in areas deemed low-potential and limited new coal leasing to within four miles of existing mines. Reversing this gives energy companies broader access to federal lands in the state.
Supports North Dakota's energy-dependent economy
Oil and gas extraction is central to North Dakota's economy. The BLM restrictions would have limited future development in areas that may prove productive as extraction technology improves, potentially costing the state tax revenue and jobs.
The Bad
Removes protections developed through multi-year public review
BLM's resource management plan went through years of public comment, environmental review, and stakeholder consultation. The CRA resolution overturns all of that work with a simple majority vote and no requirement to consider the underlying analysis.
Prevents BLM from issuing similar protections in the future
Under the Congressional Review Act, once a rule is disapproved, the agency cannot reissue a rule in substantially the same form without new legislation. This permanently constrains BLM's ability to balance development with conservation in the region.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-10-08
Passage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #556
Senate vote by state
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House, 2025-09-03
Passage (House)
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #226
House vote by state
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