S.J.Res. 80 · 119th Congress · Senate
A joint resolution 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 "National Petroleum Reserv
Introduced 2025-09-18 · Sponsored by Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] (R-AK) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-12-05): Became Public Law No: 119-47.
Summary
Reverses a Biden-era decision that closed nearly half of Alaska’s 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve to oil and gas drilling. The 2022 BLM plan had locked up about 48% of the reserve to protect caribou habitat and Indigenous subsistence areas. This resolution reverts to a 2020 plan that opened the full reserve for energy development.
The Good
Reopens 48% of the National Petroleum Reserve for development
The 2022 BLM plan had closed roughly half of the 23-million-acre reserve to oil and gas leasing. Reverting to the 2020 plan restores access to these areas, which the reserve was originally designated to support domestic energy production.
The reserve was created specifically for petroleum development
The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska was established by Congress in 1923 as an emergency oil supply. Supporters argue that restricting development in a reserve explicitly created for that purpose contradicts its foundational mandate.
The Bad
Removes protections for wildlife and subsistence communities
The closed areas included Teshekpuk Lake, the largest Arctic lake in North America and critical habitat for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Indigenous communities depend on caribou, fish, and birds from these lands for subsistence. The 2022 plan was designed to balance development with these needs.
Overturns protections developed through extensive public process
The 2022 Integrated Activity Plan involved years of environmental review, public comment, and tribal consultation. The CRA resolution discards this process with a simple vote, and under the Act, BLM cannot issue a substantially similar plan without new legislation.
Vote Record
House, 2025-11-18
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #296
House vote by state
Hover over a state to see its delegation
Senate, 2025-10-30
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #599
Senate vote by state
Hover over a state to see its delegation
Senate, 2025-10-29
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #595
Senate vote by state
Hover over a state to see its delegation
All Sources
Everything on this page ties back to one of these. Click through if you want to check.