What's Happening?
Republicans in Congress are increasingly using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn federal public lands decisions. The CRA, which allows Congress to nullify federal agency rules with a simple
majority vote and the president's signature, is being applied to resource management plans and other agency actions not traditionally considered rules. This strategy has been used to target land-use plans for national monuments and other public lands, potentially opening them up for increased resource development. Critics argue that this approach undermines the non-political management of public lands and could lead to significant environmental and cultural impacts.
Why It's Important?
The use of the CRA to challenge public lands management represents a significant shift in how federal land policies are contested. By targeting agency actions that were not previously subject to congressional review, this strategy could lead to increased political influence over public lands management. This has implications for environmental protection, resource development, and the preservation of cultural sites. The move also raises concerns about the stability and predictability of public lands policies, which are crucial for stakeholders such as environmental groups, local communities, and industries reliant on these lands.
What's Next?
The recent Government Accountability Office opinion expanding the CRA's reach could lead to more resolutions of disapproval being introduced in Congress. This may result in further legal challenges and public debates over the appropriate balance between congressional oversight and agency expertise in managing public lands. Environmental groups and tribal coalitions are likely to continue opposing the use of the CRA in this context, advocating for the protection of national monuments and other sensitive areas.
