HJRES 131 blocks a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rule that would have allowed oil and gas leasing in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain. The bill uses the Congressional Review Act to formally disapprove this specific rule, making it legally void. It directly affects the BLM's ability to advance the leasing program and companies seeking permits for oil and gas development in that area. The resolution became law after passing both chambers of Congress in late 2025.
This bill (SJRES 80) is a joint resolution disapproving a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning oil and gas activities in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. It directly affects the BLM's management of the reserve by nullifying its 2022 "Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision," which outlined drilling and leasing plans. The resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5 U.S. Code) to formally block the rule, stating it "shall have no force or effect." This procedural action was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 5, 2025, reversing the BLM's regulatory framework for the Alaska reserve.
HR 4835, the Strategic Resources Non-discrimination Act, amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prevent discrimination against fossil fuel industries in financial support decisions. It prohibits the President from denying financial support (under sections 301, 302, or 303) for fossil fuel exploration, development, production, or sale, except when the denial is specifically for environmental protection purposes. This directly affects energy companies seeking federal financial assistance under the Defense Production Act and federal agencies administering those programs. The bill’s key provision ensures fossil fuel-related activities cannot be excluded from support solely based on their energy source, with environmental protection being the sole permitted exception.
SJRES 76 is a joint resolution seeking to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that extended deadlines for oil and natural gas companies to meet emissions standards. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2025, would have delayed compliance with existing climate-related regulations for these companies. If passed, this resolution would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect, requiring companies to meet the original deadlines instead. It uses the Congressional Review Act - a standard procedure for Congress to disapprove agency rules - to formally reject the EPA's extension.
This bill directs the President to restrict U.S. natural gas exports through regulations aimed at keeping domestic energy prices low. It requires the President to issue a rule prohibiting natural gas exports, with limited exemptions for national security or strategic allies that must be approved by Congress. The bill claims such restrictions would prevent projected price increases for households (up to $124 annually) and industries (up to $125 billion by 2050) cited in its findings. It directly affects U.S. energy consumers and industries reliant on domestic natural gas, as defined by the bill's stated purpose.
HRES 57 is a symbolic resolution recognizing natural gas as an affordable and "green" energy source. It states that U.S. natural gas production benefits the economy and environment, citing reduced emissions data and LNG export statistics. The resolution does not change laws or funding but formally declares support for expanding domestic natural gas production and infrastructure. It specifically references opposing methane emission fees and aligns with EU energy policies that classify natural gas as "green." This resolution has no binding effect on policy or regulation.
HR 662 amends the tax code to change how oil and gas companies calculate taxable income related to intangible drilling and development costs. It allows companies to disregard certain depreciation and depletion expenses recorded on their financial statements when computing taxable income, effectively reducing their tax burden on these specific costs. The bill directly affects oil and gas producers who use intangible drilling costs in their operations. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. This is a tax code adjustment, not a direct policy change for energy production.
