Summary of SJRES 62
Bill Overview
Bill Number: SJRES 62
Title: 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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan."
Introduced: July 10, 2025
Status: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar; discharged from the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sponsors:
- Primary Sponsor: Kevin Cramer
- Cosponsor: John Hoeven
Purpose and Intent
The primary purpose of SJRES 62 is to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the North Dakota Field Office's Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan. This resolution aims to nullify the rule, which was issued on January 14, 2025, and is deemed a "rule" under the Congressional Review Act.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of BLM Rule: The resolution explicitly states that Congress disapproves the BLM's rule related to the North Dakota Field Office's management plan, asserting that it shall have no force or effect.
- Reference to Government Accountability Office (GAO): The resolution cites a letter from the GAO dated June 25, 2025, which concluded that the BLM's Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan qualifies as a rule under the Congressional Review Act.
Affected Parties
- Bureau of Land Management: The agency's authority to implement the specific management plan for the North Dakota Field Office would be curtailed if the resolution passes.
- Stakeholders in North Dakota: This includes local governments, landowners, and environmental groups who may be impacted by the management plan's provisions or its disapproval.
Legislative Timeline
- July 10, 2025: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- October 7, 2025: The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was discharged from further consideration of the bill by petition.
- October 7, 2025: The bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 180).
Related Legislation
- HJRES 105: A companion bill that addresses similar issues regarding the BLM's management plan.
Conclusion
SJRES 62 represents a significant legislative effort to disapprove a specific BLM rule affecting land management in North Dakota. If enacted, it would prevent the implementation of the approved resource management plan, impacting various stakeholders in the region. The resolution is currently awaiting further action in the Senate.
