DOI Rebukes House Republicans' Attempt to Roll Back Land Management Plans

House Republicans' efforts to roll back long-term land management plans in Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana through the Congressional Review Act have been met with significant resistance from the Department of the Interior. In a letter released by ranking member Jared Huffman, DOI clarified that Resource Management Plans (RMPs) approved under Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 are not considered "rules" subject to CRA repeal. This rebuke directly undermines the legal premise of three CRA resolutions introduced by House Republicans, which seek to void years of public engagement, scientific review, and Tribal consultation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Department of the Interior has clarified that Resource Management Plans (RMPs) approved under Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 are not considered "rules" subject to CRA repeal.
• The RMPs targeted by the Republican resolutions took years to develop and reflect broad public input, including from local communities, Tribes, and conservation experts.
• A recent poll from the National Wildlife Federation found that 75% of voters oppose efforts by Congress to eliminate existing public land management plans.
• Ranking Member Huffman is calling on Congress to reject H.J. Res. 104, 105, and 106 and protect the integrity of public land management processes.
• The RMPs in question have undergone extensive public engagement, scientific review, and Tribal consultation.
• The Congressional Review Act resolutions introduced by House Republicans would eliminate years of work and public input on the RMPs.
• DOI's letter clears up any confusion on the status of RMPs under the CRA, making it clear that they are not subject to repeal.

Statistics:

• 75% of voters oppose efforts by Congress to eliminate existing public land management plans (National Wildlife Federation poll)
• The RMPs targeted by the Republican resolutions took years to develop and reflect broad public input from local communities, Tribes, and conservation experts
• 3 CRA resolutions (H.J. Res. 104, 105, and 106) have been introduced by House Republicans to repeal RMPs

Sources:

• [1] Department of the Interior letter to Rep. Jared Huffman
• [2] National Wildlife Federation poll on public land management plans
• [3] House Republicans' H.J. Res. 104, 105, and 106