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.
Summary
This document is a joint resolution passed by the Senate and House of Representatives disapproving a rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment." The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the BLM's rule.
The rule in question was issued on November 20, 2024. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) determined that the BLM's action qualifies as a rule under the CRA.
The resolution aims to prevent the BLM's amendment from taking effect, effectively reversing the agency's decision regarding resource management in the Buffalo Field Office.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this resolution would prevent the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" from taking effect. This means the existing resource management plan for the Buffalo Field Office would remain in place.
The practical effect would be to maintain the status quo regarding land use, conservation efforts, and resource extraction within the Buffalo Field Office area. Any changes proposed under the disapproved amendment would be blocked unless the BLM undertakes a new rulemaking process.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of existing resource management strategies.
- Potential for greater congressional oversight of agency actions.
- Could reflect the will of the people if the existing plan is more aligned with local needs.
- May prevent unintended negative consequences of the new amendment.
- Provides an opportunity for further review and public input on resource management plans.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption of planned improvements or updates to resource management.
- May hinder the BLM's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions or new scientific information.
- Could lead to legal challenges and uncertainty regarding land use.
- May stifle innovation and progress in resource management practices.
- Could be perceived as an overreach of congressional authority into agency operations.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution invokes Congress's power to legislate under Article I, Section 1, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act (CRA), under which this resolution is brought, is an exercise of Congress's oversight authority over executive agencies.
The resolution also relates to the separation of powers, as Congress is checking the power of the executive branch (specifically, the Bureau of Land Management). The constitutionality of the CRA itself has been debated, but it has been upheld as a legitimate exercise of congressional authority.
There is no direct conflict with any specific constitutional provision. The alignment hinges on the interpretation and application of the CRA and the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).