The upper chamber utilized the Congressional Review Act to reverse the decision of the prior administration.
Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the Senate has overturned a prohibition on oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), which was finalized in 2022. The CRA allows for an accelerated legislative process to overturn a previous regulation, and also blocks any similar rules from being codified in the future.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under President Biden, decided to prohibit oil and gas leasing on 11 million acres of land in the NPR-A, which is located in the northern part of the state. This record of decision was later used for a 2024 ruling that codified protections for more than 13 million acres.
This ruling helps to fulfill an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this year, which is intended to reinstate Alaska’s energy production. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan from Alaska introduced the measure. Congressman Nick Begich, also of Alaska, has introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for members of the House and Senate as they review moves made by the previous administration.
- For Senators as they assess federal measures that impede production or commerce in their states.
Sources: Roll Call, Anchorage Daily News
