Summary of H.J. RES. 131

Bill Number: H.J. RES. 131

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".

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced: October 10, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

H.J. RES. 131 aims to formally disapprove a rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision." This resolution is introduced under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn federal regulations. The intent behind this resolution is to nullify the BLM's decision made on December 9, 2024, which is perceived by the sponsors as unfavorable or inappropriate regarding oil and gas leasing in the coastal plain areas.

Key Provisions

• Disapproval of BLM Rule: The resolution states that Congress disapproves the BLM's rule related to the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
• No Force or Effect: If passed, the rule will have no force or effect, meaning the BLM's decision will be rendered void.
• GAO Opinion: The resolution references a letter from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) dated August 25, 2025, which concluded that the BLM's record of decision qualifies as a rule under the Congressional Review Act.

Affected Parties

• Bureau of Land Management: The agency responsible for the rule in question will be directly impacted as the resolution seeks to invalidate its decision.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Companies involved in oil and gas leasing and exploration in the coastal plain areas may face changes in operational regulations and opportunities based on the outcome of this resolution.
• Environmental Groups and Local Communities: Stakeholders concerned with environmental impacts and land use in the coastal plain regions may be affected by the disapproval of the BLM's rule, which could influence conservation efforts and land management practices.

Procedural Aspects

• Committee Referral: Upon introduction, H.J. RES. 131 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration.
• Timeline: The resolution was introduced on October 10, 2025, and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Related Legislation

• SJRES 91: This is a companion bill in the Senate that addresses the same issue, indicating a parallel effort to disapprove the BLM's rule at both the House and Senate levels.

This resolution represents a significant legislative effort to influence federal land management policies and the regulatory landscape for oil and gas leasing in sensitive areas.