Bill Summary
This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the "Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan." The resolution formally states that Congress considers this rule, which was issued on January 13, 2025, to be a regulatory action under the Congressional Review Act. As a result of this disapproval, the rule will have no force or effect, effectively nullifying the BLM's management plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This action reflects Congress's authority to oversee and reject federal regulations that it deems inappropriate or unnecessary.
Possible Impacts
The provided joint resolution, which disapproves a rule related to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, could affect people in several ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Environmental Impact**: By disapproving the Bureau of Land Management's resource management plan, the resolution may hinder conservation efforts in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This could negatively impact local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and overall biodiversity, affecting not only the environment but also people who rely on these natural resources for recreation, tourism, and cultural practices.
2. **Economic Consequences**: The disapproval of the resource management plan could lead to increased development activities, such as mining or drilling, in the area. This might create short-term economic benefits for some, but could also result in long-term environmental degradation, affecting industries like tourism and recreation that depend on the preservation of natural landscapes. Local businesses and communities that benefit from outdoor activities may suffer if the monument's natural beauty and ecological integrity are compromised.
3. **Legal and Community Engagement**: The resolution reflects a significant political decision that may lead to legal challenges or increased activism within communities that support the preservation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Individuals and organizations advocating for environmental protection may mobilize to contest the decision, leading to heightened community engagement and activism, as well as potential legal battles that could draw attention to land management practices and their implications for local and indigenous communities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 151 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. J. RES. 151
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 ``Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 4, 2026
Ms. Maloy (for herself, Mr. Owens, Mr. Moore of Utah, Mr. Kennedy of
Utah, Mr. Amodei of Nevada, Mr. Stauber, and Mr. Begich) submitted the
following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
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 ``Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the
rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to ``Grand
Staircase-Escalante National Monument Record of Decision and Approved
Resource Management Plan'' (issued January 13, 2025, as a record of
decision and approved resource management plan, and a letter of opinion
from the Government Accountability Office dated January 15, 2026,
printed in the Congressional Record on February 25, 2026, on pages
S675-S677, concluding that such record of decision and approved
resource management plan is a rule under the Congressional Review Act),
and such rule shall have no force or effect.
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