Former President Donald Trump tapped North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his pick for Secretary of the Interior, promising his administration would take yet another step toward laying an even greater premium on American energy independence and rural development if he wins a second White House term. A high-tech entrepreneur turned politician, Burgum has been North Dakota’s governor since 2016, bringing to that job a unique blend of business savvy and experience governing a state dependent on energy and agriculture.
There is, of course, the institutional record of Burgum as governor: his back support for increased energy production oil and gas, and economic growth in rural communities. Trump pointed to these credentials. He said, “Doug has a deep understanding of how vital energy independence and responsible land use are to our nation’s prosperity. He has led North Dakota through significant energy developments, and I trust he’ll bring the same commitment to securing our resources for all Americans.”.
As secretary of the interior, Burgum would oversee the stewardship of federal lands and natural resources, Native American tribes policies, endangered species, and the expansion of energy projects. Burgum has always been on record discussing reducing federal barriers to energy exploration as well as enhancing the role of states in managing lands along their borders. This stand is in line with Trump’s views of regulatory deconstruction and enhancing domestic energy production.
Environmental activists, however, have some reservations about his pro-energy agenda. They suspect that his potential leadership might only add more foxes in charge of the henhouse or worse, even more extraction of fossil fuels and reduced protection for public lands. “The Department of the Interior owes a responsibility to safeguard our national parks and wildlife, and not gamble it all on extraction,” Sierra Club spokesperson Emily Hayes said. “We hope Burgum will strike a balance with this pro-energy platform and respect the necessity of preserving America’s natural treasures.”.
Energy industry leaders and Republicans embrace Governor Burgum’s nomination with good reason, given his background to be crucial in promoting energy security. “Doug Burgum understands the importance of energy to our national security and economy,” said Tom Anderson, an oil industry representative. His leadership at the Department of the Interior would bring valuable insight into balancing development with conservation.
If confirmed, Burgum will likely play a pivotal role for years in forging land use and energy policies that prescribe a course for American natural resource management, one focused on energy independence and economic growth.
