Republicans Use Congressional Review Act to Undermine Federal Land Management

Republican Attempt to Scuttle Federal Land Plans Could Cause Great Upheaval In a move that has sparked controversy among environmentalists and conservation groups, Republican lawmakers have been using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to quietly upend how the country manages public lands. The CRA, which was first introduced in 1996 as a way for Congress to reclaim legislative authority from an overreaching executive branch, has been wielded by Republicans to kill new federal regulations with a simple majority vote. According to Marlena Sloss of The Washington Post via Getty, one of the key sponsors of the CRA was Ted Stevens, a Republican from Alaska known for his temper and his iconic Incredible Hulk tie. Stevens framed the measure as a way to give Congress more control over the regulatory process, but critics argue that it has been used to undermine environmental protections. The use of the CRA to target federal land plans has raised concerns among conservation groups, who fear that it could lead to widespread deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. "This is a clear attempt by Republicans to roll back decades of progress on public lands management," said Kristen Sarri, executive director of the Alaska Wilderness League. "We urge Congress to reject this effort and instead work towards finding solutions that balance human needs with environmental protection." The CRA has been used to target several federal land plans in recent years, including a proposal to expand wilderness areas in Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park. The park, which is one of the most remote and pristine areas in the country, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and Dall sheep. Background on the CRA shows that it was first introduced as part of a larger bill aimed at making life easier for small businesses. However, critics argue that it has been used as a tool by Republicans to undermine environmental regulations and favor corporate interests. Additional perspectives come from Republican lawmakers who support the use of the CRA. "This is a common-sense measure that gives Congress more control over the regulatory process," said Senator John Barrasso (R-WY). "We need to make sure that our laws are being implemented in a way that benefits American families, not just special interests." The current status of the CRA's use on federal land plans remains uncertain. While some lawmakers have expressed support for continuing to use the measure, others have called for its repeal. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the fate of America's public lands hangs in the balance. In conclusion, the Republican attempt to scuttle federal land plans using the CRA has sparked controversy and raised concerns among conservation groups. While some lawmakers support the use of the measure, others argue that it undermines environmental protections. As the debate continues, the future of America's public lands remains uncertain. *Reporting by Motherjones.*