H.J.Res. 131 · 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 "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Re
Introduced 2025-10-10 · Sponsored by Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large] (R-AK) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-12-11): Became Public Law No: 119-52.
Summary
Opens the full 1.6 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's Coastal Plain to oil and gas drilling. A 2024 BLM decision had scaled back leasing to a smaller portion of the area, but this resolution throws that out and reverts to a 2020 plan that made all of it available. Congress originally mandated these lease sales in the 2017 tax law.
The Good
Restores full oil and gas leasing in the Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act explicitly required the Interior Department to hold lease sales in the 1.6-million-acre Coastal Plain. The BLM's 2024 decision restricted leasing to a smaller area. This resolution restores the full program as Congress originally mandated.
Increases domestic energy production capacity
The Coastal Plain is estimated to contain billions of barrels of recoverable oil. Supporters argue that domestic production from ANWR reduces dependence on foreign energy sources and improves national energy security.
The Bad
Opens one of America's last pristine wilderness areas to drilling
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain is calving ground for the Porcupine caribou herd and habitat for polar bears, migratory birds, and other Arctic species. Environmental groups and the Gwich'in people have opposed development here for decades, citing irreversible ecological damage.
Industry interest has been limited despite political push
The first ANWR lease sale in 2021 attracted only minimal bids. The area's remote location, extreme climate, and lack of infrastructure make extraction expensive. Critics argue the political fight over ANWR is disproportionate to its actual energy contribution.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-12-04
Passage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #632
Senate vote by state
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House, 2025-11-18
Passage (House)
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #295
House vote by state
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