Overview
- The Senate approved H.J.Res.104 in a 52–47 vote to nullify a BLM plan that blocked new leases across about 1.7 million acres in the Miles City field office, sending the resolution to President Donald Trump.
- The House passed the measure last month after Montana Republicans Sen. Steve Daines, Sen. Tim Sheehy, Rep. Troy Downing and Rep. Ryan Zinke advanced it, arguing the closure threatened jobs and state interests.
- Policy analysts and conservation groups say using the Congressional Review Act to undo a local resource management plan is unprecedented and could create legal uncertainty for public-lands decisions.
- Earthjustice criticized Congress for short-circuiting an ongoing public process, saying the BLM plan reflected public input and a balance of competing land uses.
- Even as the administration moves to reopen access, a major Powder River Basin coal sale this week drew a single bid of $186,000 for 167.5 million tons, with a decision pending and issuance contingent on revising the land plan.