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Congress·Enacted·H.J.Res. 131

Trump Signs Arctic Drilling Rule Reversal Into Law, Reopening ANWR to Oil and Gas Leasing

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".

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Federal Rollback of BLM Energy Leasing Rules in Alaska and Western States
✓

Signed Into Law

This legislation has been enacted.

Legislative Progress

✓ House

217–209

✓ Senate
✓ President
✓ Law

Key Points

  • Congress has officially rejected a rule from the Bureau of Land Management that governed oil and gas leasing in the Arctic's Coastal Plain. This move cancels the agency's previous plan for how to handle energy development in the area, meaning the rule no longer has any legal power.

    From policy text

    “Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to ``Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision'' (issued December 9, 2024, as a record of decision, and a letter of opinion from the Government Accountability Office dated August 25, 2025, printed in the Congressional Record on September 2, 2025, on pages S5557-S5560, concluding that such record of decision is a rule under the Congressional Review Act), and such rule shall have no force or effect.”
    View in full text
  • This action specifically targets a decision made in late 2024 regarding the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a region that has been at the center of a long-running debate between energy production and environmental protection.

    From policy text

    “rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to ``Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision'' (issued December 9, 2024, as a record of decision”
    View in full text
  • By using a special disapproval process, Congress not only stops the current rule but also prevents the agency from creating a similar rule in the future without new permission from lawmakers.

    From policy text

    “concluding that such record of decision is a rule under the Congressional Review Act”
    View in full text
  • This change will mostly affect energy companies interested in drilling in Alaska and conservation groups working to protect the local wildlife and landscape.
  • The decision follows a review by the Government Accountability Office, which determined that the agency's plan was a formal rule that Congress had the right to vote down.

    From policy text

    “a letter of opinion from the Government Accountability Office dated August 25, 2025, printed in the Congressional Record on September 2, 2025, on pages S5557-S5560, concluding that such record of decision is a rule under the Congressional Review Act”
    View in full text
Energy Environment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

7 milestones20 actions
Dec 11, 2025

Became Public Law No: 119-52.

Dec 11, 2025

Signed by President.

Dec 10, 2025House

Presented to President.

Dec 4, 2025Senate

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Dec 4, 2025Senate

Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 45. Record Vote Number: 632.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

long_term

BLM expected to begin new leasing process for the Coastal Plain

The Bureau of Land Management will need to prepare and conduct lease sales covering the full 1.6 million acres. This could take months to years before actual drilling begins, but it sets the stage for energy companies to bid on exploration rights in the Arctic Refuge.

Vote Results

2 votes
SenatePassedDec 4, 2025

On the Joint Resolution

49
45
Democrat
0 – 42 · 3
Republican
49 – 1 · 3
Independent
0 – 2
View full roll call
HousePassedPassageNov 18, 2025

On Passage

217
209
Democrat
3 – 208 · 3
Republican
214 – 1 · 4
View full roll call

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

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".

Bill NumberHJRES 131
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionBecame Public Law No: 119-52.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.