Motion to Table Agreed to in the Senate on April 15, 2026 · 51 Yea, 48 Nay, 1 Not Voting
Question: On the Motion to Table H.J.Res. 140
In plain English: This resolution cancels a rule that stopped mineral and geothermal leasing on federal lands in parts of Minnesota for 20 years. By canceling the rule, these lands can now be leased for mineral and geothermal exploration and development.
This joint resolution opens approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties in Minnesota to mineral and geothermal leasing. Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies Public Land Order 7917, which withdrew such land from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years beginning in 2023. The Bureau of Land Management issued the order to protect and preserve the Rainy River Watershed, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Boundary Waters C…