Congressman Nick Begich Applauds House Passage of Alaska Resource Measures

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nov. 18, 2025 — Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) applauded the House passage of two major Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions—H.J. Res. 131, sponsored by Congressman Begich, and S.J. Res. 80. These measures advance the America first agenda to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential and reverse Biden-era actions that severely restricted energy development across Alaska.

“H.J. Res. 131 and S.J. Res. 80 are crucial steps toward restoring America’s energy security and unlock Alaska’s resources for the benefit of the American people. In the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska and the 1002 Area of our North Slope—that’s twenty million acres unlocked for the benefit of the people of this nation,” said Congressman Begich. “By reversing these harmful Biden-era restrictions, we are unleashing American energy dominance and ensuring that our nation has the reliable, affordable energy it needs to power homes, our communities, and a growing economy. Alaska has the resources the nation needs—and the will and expertise to develop them responsibly. These resolutions send a clear message: America’s energy future begins with Alaska.”

“When the Biden administration locked up millions of acres of resource-rich lands throughout Alaska’s North Slope, it undermined America’s energy independence and hurt native communities that rely on the revenue stemming from energy production in the area. I applaud Rep. Begich for leading these resolutions to restore common sense to Alaska’s resource management,” said House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman.

Background:

H.J. Res. 131, Congressman Begich’s CRA resolution, overturns the Biden administration’s 2024 Record of Decision (ROD) that halted oil and gas development across 1.16 million acres of the 1002 Area of the North Slope.

By restoring the 2020 ROD, H.J. Res. 131 reinvigorates American energy and mineral dominance and advances President Trump’s Executive Order 14154, which prioritizes unlocking Alaska’s strategic resources.

The House also passed S.J. Res. 80, introduced by Senator Sullivan and led in the House by Congressman Begich, which repeals the Biden administration’s 2022 ROD for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) Integrated Activity Plan (IAP). The Biden administration’s IAP locked up nearly 12 million acres of energy-rich land on the North Slope.

S.J. Res. 80 restores the 2021 IAP, reflecting extensive tribal consultation and local engagement. The measure:

• Unlocks 18.6 million acres of subsurface resources for oil and gas leasing and energy infrastructure.
• Allows construction of essential infrastructure—roads, power lines, and pipelines—to support communities and future projects.
• Builds on requirements in the Working Families Tax Cuts, mandating six NPR-A lease sales over the next decade.
• Strengthens Alaska’s economy and encourages long-term investment in the region.

H.J. Res. 131 heads to the Senate for consideration and S.J. Res. 80 moves to the President’s desk for signature.

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