The U.S. House of Representatives has approved three Congressional Review Act resolutions aimed at reopening land in Alaska and Wyoming for energy development. These areas had previously been restricted by policies from the Biden administration.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the decision, stating: “This week’s votes in the House reestablished access to vital tracts of land intended for energy leasing, which support U.S. energy production and drive economic growth in America’s rural communities. Alaska and Wyoming’s resource-rich lands are indispensable to unleashing American energy and mineral dominance. Representatives Begich and Hageman’s resolutions will create jobs and promote access to affordable energy for years to come.”
One resolution, S.J. Res. 80, was introduced by Senator Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Representative Begich (R-Alaska). It repeals the Integrated Activity Plan for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, which had restricted nearly 12 million acres from energy development.
Another measure, H.J. Res. 130, brought forward by Representative Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), overturns an amendment that limited access to land and mineral resources in Wyoming. The area includes both surface acreage and a large portion of the state’s mineral estate; Wyoming is responsible for about 40 percent of U.S. coal production.
A third resolution, H.J. Res. 131, introduced by Representative Nick Begich (R-Alaska), reverses a Record of Decision that had imposed restrictions on oil and gas activity in part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This action would allow more than a million acres to be available for potential energy projects.
Supporters say these actions will promote job creation, provide funds for local governments through taxes and dividends—especially important in regions like Alaska—and increase domestic energy supply.
