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 "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment".
Summary
This joint resolution aims to use the Congressional Review Act to formally disapprove of a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rule regarding the Miles City Field Office in Montana. The specific rule, finalized in late 2024, amended a regional land management plan to make approximately 1.7 million acres of federal coal resources unavailable for future leasing. While the rule allowed existing coal mines to continue operating under their current leases, it prohibited the government from issuing any new leases in the area, citing concerns over climate change and public health.
If enacted, this resolution would nullify the BLM's restrictions, potentially reopening those federal lands to new coal mining applications. Proponents of the resolution argue that the current ban threatens local jobs, reduces tax revenue for Montana, and harms national energy security. They suggest that overturning the rule is necessary to support the mining industry and maintain a diverse energy supply.