Congressional Bills H.J. Res. 104, 105, 106, 130 and 131 Signed into Law

12/11/2025

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Date of Action: December 11, 2025.
Legislative Activity: The President signed five congressional bills into law.
Bill Details:
- H.J. Res. 104: Nullifies a BLM rule related to the “Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment.”
- H.J. Res. 105: Nullifies a BLM rule concerning the “North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan.”
- H.J. Res. 106: Nullifies a BLM rule pertaining to the “Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resources Management Plan.”
- H.J. Res. 130: Nullifies a BLM rule regarding the “Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resources Management Plan Amendment.”
- H.J. Res. 131: Nullifies a BLM rule on the “Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision.”

The nullification of multiple Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rules may suggest a shift in federal priorities regarding land use and resource management, potentially affecting environmental policies and research funding related to these areas.
Vanderbilt University’s research initiatives in environmental science and sustainability might need to adjust to new regulatory landscapes and funding opportunities depending on the impact of these nullifications on federal research priorities.
The changes could lead to increased uncertainty in land management policies, influencing partnerships or collaborations with federal and state agencies in related fields.
There may be implications for community engagement, particularly if local or regional stakeholders are affected by changes in land use and resource management policies.

Vanderbilt’s Earth and Environmental Sciences Department may need to realign its research focus to address new priorities resulting from these legislative changes.
The Office of Federal Relations could play a vital role in monitoring further legislative developments and advocating for research and educational interests in areas impacted by these nullifications.
Peabody College might explore educational opportunities related to new environmental or land management policies, incorporating these into curricula or community outreach programs.

Potential reduction in funding for projects aligned with the previous BLM rules, necessitating a reevaluation of research funding strategies and priorities.
Possibly increased opportunities for funding in new areas of land management or resource utilization, contingent on federal and state policy shifts.
Changes in legislative priorities may require increased investment in policy and regulatory analysis to adapt to evolving funding landscapes.

Relevance Score: 3 (These changes pose moderate risks that may impact compliance and strategic alignment with federal priorities.)

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Studies Program should evaluate the implications of the nullified Bureau of Land Management rules on resource management and environmental policy. This could impact research opportunities and collaborations related to land use and conservation studies.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor further legislative actions and executive decisions that may affect federal land management policies. Engaging with policymakers can help Vanderbilt anticipate changes that might influence its research or environmental initiatives.
Vanderbilt’s Law School may explore opportunities for legal research and policy analysis on the impacts of these legislative nullifications, providing expertise on environmental law and resource management.

There is potential for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to engage in studies analyzing the economic and environmental impacts of these nullifications, contributing to broader discussions on land management and energy policy.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise to host forums or workshops discussing the implications of these policy changes, positioning the university as a leader in environmental policy analysis.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments may be needed to align Vanderbilt’s research and policy engagement with the new legislative landscape.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

N/A – No specific implementation deadline is provided beyond the date the bills were signed into law on December 11, 2025.

Relevance Score: 1

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): This agency is directly impacted as the bills nullify multiple of its rules regarding Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plans across various field offices.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one government agency is impacted.)

Director of the Bureau of Land Management – Tasked with rescinding the nullified rules and ensuring that the Bureau adjusts its policies across all field offices to comply with the new legislative mandates.
Field Office Managers – Responsible for executing operational changes at the local level, including the suspension or revision of previously approved resource management plans as directed by higher authority.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect agency heads whose actions are critical for nationwide policy realignment.)