SC Alaska News

The U.S. Senate has passed a joint resolution led by Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both Republicans from Alaska, to overturn the Biden administration’s Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (CYRMP). The vote was 50 to 46. The plan, finalized in November 2024, had restricted access to resource development and economic opportunities in the Central Yukon region of Alaska.

The CYRMP had been criticized for conflicting with several federal laws, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), the Alaska Statehood Act, and the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act. Critics also said it failed to follow principles of multiple-use management as required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

A companion resolution passed in the House on September 3, sponsored by Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska). The legislation now moves to President Biden’s desk for approval.

Senator Murkowski stated: “Senator Sullivan and I advanced this disapproval resolution for the Central Yukon RMP because the 1,800-page plan finalized last year – over our objections – unnecessarily restricted access to millions of acres of Alaska and kept obsolete Public Land Orders in place. Re-opening the Central Yukon RMP will allow BLM to develop a more balanced plan that complies with numerous federal laws – including ANCSA, ANILCA, and ALTAA – as well as the fundamental principle of multiple use on public land. I expect a new final plan to address long-standing access issues, provide greater opportunity for economic development, including key energy and mineral resources, and ensure Alaska Native landowners in the region can maximize the use of their own lands while still protecting subsistence and conserving where truly necessary.”

Senator Sullivan added: “The Biden administration’s Central Yukon Resource Management Plan was an egregious case of federal overreach and just one of the administration’s 70 executive orders and actions singularly focused on harming Alaska, our economy, and our working families. This particular scheme effectively locked up millions of acres of Alaska’s land, ignored Alaska Native voices, undermined long-standing federal law, and blocked access to critical mineral, energy, gravel, and material resources that our local communities, state and nation need. As I said in my remarks on the floor today, these issues of access to lands and responsible resource development are not just theoretical. Over time they actually impact the very health and livelihoods of my constituents. I wish more of my Senate Democratic colleagues would’ve respected this fact...and stood with Alaskans. I do want to thank a majority of our colleagues in the Senate—and of our House colleagues in early September—for standing with me, Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich...helping to ensure Alaska’s resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of our people, economy, and national security.”

Congressman Begich commented: “The Biden-era Central Yukon plan locked up millions of acres of land and cut off access to resources critical to our national and economic security in Alaska. With Senate passage of this resolution we are re-opening opportunity in one of Alaska’s most impoverished regions. By continuing to restore Alaska’s ability to responsibly develop its own resources we strengthen America’s national security...I am proud to see this legislation head to the President’s desk.”

Under rules established by Congress through the Congressional Review Act (CRA), lawmakers have an expedited process for overturning certain federal agency regulations or actions through a joint resolution if both chambers approve it by simple majority; presidential approval or an override is required for enactment.

In February 2025 members from Alaska's congressional delegation asked whether CYRMP qualified as a "rule" under CRA guidelines; Government Accountability Office determined it did so on June 25th that year.

This legislative effort aligns with objectives set out by President Trump’s executive order titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” which directed reversal of restrictions imposed by CYRMP.

The bill does not remove conservation designations made under existing law nor does it automatically approve specific projects like Ambler Access Project or facilitate public land sales.

Supporters include Doyon Limited—an important regional landowner—as well as several industry groups such as The Resource Development Council for Alaska; Americans for Prosperity; American Energy Alliance; National Federation Of Independent Business; American Exploration And Mining Association; Citizens For Responsible Energy Solutions; among others.