Bill Summary
The legislation is a joint resolution passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives aimed at disapproving a specific rule put forth by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment." This resolution is enacted under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to invalidate federal regulations. The resolution specifies that the BLM's rule, issued on November 20, 2024, and confirmed by a Government Accountability Office (GAO) opinion dated September 18, 2025, is to have no legal effect. Essentially, this resolution reflects Congress's decision to overturn the BLM's management plan related to land use in the Buffalo Field Office area, indicating a shift in policy or oversight regarding resource management in that region.
Possible Impacts
The disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management's rule regarding the "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Impact on Local Land Use and Resource Management**: The disapproval of the resource management plan may lead to uncertainties about land use in the Buffalo Field Office area. Local communities, ranchers, and businesses that rely on land for agriculture, grazing, or resource extraction may face challenges due to the absence of clear guidelines for land use, which could affect their livelihoods and economic stability.
2. **Environmental Conservation and Wildlife Management**: The approved resource management plan may have included provisions for environmental protection, habitat conservation, or wildlife management. Disapproving this plan could hinder efforts to protect local ecosystems and wildlife, leading to potential degradation of natural resources that local residents and visitors rely on for recreation, tourism, and quality of life.
3. **Regulatory Uncertainty and Investment Decisions**: The congressional disapproval could create an environment of regulatory uncertainty that might discourage investment in the region. Companies and stakeholders interested in developing natural resources or engaging in land-related projects may be less inclined to proceed without a clear regulatory framework, potentially stalling economic development and job creation in the area.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 89 Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 270
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 89
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 ``Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and
Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 8, 2025
Ms. Lummis (for herself and Mr. Barrasso) introduced the following
joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources
November 18, 2025
Committee discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c), and
placed on the calendar
_______________________________________________________________________
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 ``Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and
Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment''.
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 ``Buffalo
Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan
Amendment'' (issued November 20, 2024, as a record of decision and
approved resource management plan amendment, and a letter of opinion
from the Government Accountability Office dated September 18, 2025,
printed in the Congressional Record on September 29, 2025, on pages
S6825-S6826, 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.
Calendar No. 270
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 89
_______________________________________________________________________
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 ``Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and
Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment''.
_______________________________________________________________________
November 18, 2025
Committee discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c), and
placed on the calendar