S.J. Res. 91 and H.J. Res. 131
Floor Speech
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Ms. MURKOWSKI. Res. 91 and H.J. Res. 131, joint resolutions providing for congressional disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management's 2024 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision under the Congressional Review Act.
Hon. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nicholas Begich III, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Murkowski, Sullivan, and Representative Begich: On behalf of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation (KIC) and our shareholders, I am writing to express our strong support for S.J. Res. 91, the resolution disapproving the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) 2024 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision under the Congressional Review Act.
KIC is the village corporation for Kaktovik, established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA) to manage surface estate, support economic selfdetermination, and protect the long-term interests of our Inupiat shareholders. Kaktovik is the only community located within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and KIC holds significant ANCSA lands within the Coastal Plain lands that Congress specifically conveyed to our people so that local Inupiat not distant federal agencies, would have a central voice in decisions about our homeland.
For decades, KIC has participated constructively in every federal process affecting the 1002 Area. We have consistently supported responsible, science-based resource development because we live here, we understand this place better than anyone, and our community depends both on a healthy environment and a stable local economy. support for S.J. Res. 91 and H.J. Res. 131
S.J. Res. 91, introduced by Senator Murkowski and co- sponsored by Senator Sullivan, and its companion measure in the House, H.J. Res. 131, introduced by Representative Begich, are identical resolutions providing for congressional disapproval of BLM's 2024 Coastal Plain ROD (hereinafter referred to as the 2024 ROD) and subsequent Government Accountability Office (GAO) conclusion that such record of decision is a rule.
These resolutions are necessary because the Biden administration's 2024 ROD undermines responsible resource development required by law, disregards ANCSA, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and ignores the voices of the only people who live on the Coastal Plain. Background: The History of Federal Direction on the Coastal Plain
The Coastal Plain has long been recognized by Congress as an area with substantial energy potential and is an area where development was explicitly authorized for mineral leasing under P.L. 115-97 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Why the 2024 ROD Is Harmful to Kaktovik and ANCSA Rights
2024 ROD:
Ignores the statutory mandate for area-wide leasing.
Disregards congressional limits on habitat closures and surface disturbance.
Undermines ANCSA village lands specifically conveyed to KIC for local benefit.
Removes opportunities that Congress intended to support Inupiat economic self-determination.
Threatens the revenue streams, jobs, and infrastructure our community relies on.
Discounts Kaktovik's longstanding record of supporting environmentally responsible development.
Kaktovik--the only community in the entire Refuge--bears the full weight of the impacts. Yet our voice was minimized while outside interests were elevated over the rights and concerns of the people who live here and are the most impacted by these decisions. The process in the development of the 2024 ROD, disregarded our local indigenous knowledge, our rights to consultation and the Secretary for the Department of the Interior's own orders for meaningful consultation.
The 2020 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program (2020 program) included robust protections for wildlife and sensitive habitats and was supported by the elected leadership from the North Slope and Kaktovik. The development of the 2020 program followed a transparent process that incorporated meaningful consultation with our community, recognizing the connection between economic self- determination, our community and our culture.
Restoring the 2020 program ROD and overturning the 2024 ROD as a rule is consistent with the FY 2025 reconciliation bill, which requires four lease sales over the next decade. Secretary Burgum has already reinstated the 2020 program ROD, and both the Senate and House measures ensure future administrations cannot disregard federal law or sideline our people and communities. Bottom Line: The 2024 ROD Must Be Nullified
The 2024 ROD's restrictive approach is unlawful, unworkable, and deeply harmful to our people whose lands and livelihoods are directly affected.
S.J. Res. 91 and H.J. Res. 131:
Upholds federal law
Defends Congress's authority
Restores the 2020 program
Strengthens U.S. energy security
Respects Inupiat voices, including Kaktovik
Protects ANCSA rights and village corporation lands
Ensures a fair and functional leasing program going forward
KIC appreciates your leadership in standing with our community and ensuring that the laws governing our homeland are followed. We urge swift passage of S.J. Res. 91 and H.J. Res. 131.
Thank you for your continued support of Kaktovik and the Inupiat people of the North Slope. Sincerely, Charles Lampe, President, Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation.
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