Doug Burgum is officially the new Secretary of the Interior after the Senate confirmed his appointment with a vote of 79-18. The former governor of North Dakota will oversee several agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, directing efforts to boost domestic fossil fuel production under the Trump administration's energy-focused agenda.
The confirmation, which took place on January 30, 2025, saw support from both sides of the aisle, with more than half of Senate Democrats approving Burgum along with all 53 Republican senators. This bipartisan vote signals a significant shift toward prioritizing fossil fuels—an area Burgum is well-versed in after two terms as governor of the oil-rich state of North Dakota.
President Trump, who nominated Burgum, emphasized the importance of the Secretary's role, particularly as American energy independence becomes increasingly pivotal. During the confirmation process, Burgum asserted, "We can use energy development as leverage to promote peace and lower consumer costs," reiterations of the administration's assertions about the benefits of fossil fuel energy over renewable resources.
Joining Trump on the day of his confirmation, Burgum stood alongside his wife, Kathryn, when the president signed his commission. Trump praised the couple, saying, "We are very lucky to have them, because they are a great team." Burgum is set to head the newly created National Energy Council, which aims to streamline energy production processes across the country.
After assuming office, Burgum's first priority will be to tackle what he describes as regulatory burdens stifling energy production, indicating, "If the Interior was a public company, its stock would be in the tank." His comments reflect concerns over the previous administration's stricter regulations on fossil fuels, which he argued hindered energy development.
Burgum is expected to advocate for significant improvements to the process of energy production and permitting. The Trump administration has rolled back several environmental protections, seeking to increase energy dominance. This renewed push has raised alarms among environmental advocates, with critics arguing it could exacerbate climate change and its associated impacts.
Environmentalists and some Democratic lawmakers have voiced significant opposition to Burgum's vision for the Interior Department. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii stated on the Senate floor, "They said wind is dead on the offshore. They are trying to do as much of this as possible to create demand for coal, for fossil gas," accusing the administration of ignoring renewable energy's potential.
While Burgum's confirmation could signal increased fossil fuel production from public lands, he was also quoted during the hearings discussing the potential for carbon capture technology. Skeptics of carbon capture argue these solutions lack proven effectiveness and are often employed as justifications for continuing fossil fuel production.
Burgum's predecessor, Deb Haaland, was known for scaling back sales of oil and gas leases and promoting renewable energy projects. This shift toward fossil fuels is consistent with the Trump administration's broader strategy to reduce regulations surrounding energy production. During his confirmation, Burgum expressed the need for increased modifications to improve energy access and production efficiency.
His tenure promises transformative changes to the Department of the Interior, impacting various sub-agencies. Burgum mentioned, "Not every acre of federal land is a national park or wilderness area," indicating his belief in using federally-owned lands for economic development. This could include initiatives related to logging and other extractive industries alongside oil and gas production.
The Interior Department plays a pivotal role as it manages vast public lands, producing about one-quarter of the country's oil annually, and oversees national parks, wildlife reserves, and tribal lands. Experts are watching closely as Burgum’s policies may set the course for significant changes affecting America's energy strategy for years to come.
Despite calls for ecological responsibility, Burgum’s goals align firmly with economic expansion via fossil fuels, placing him at the center of contentious debates surrounding energy policy and climate change.
His statements suggest he believes the U.S. can dominate the energy sector without sacrificing economic growth or energy security. The coming months will reveal how Burgum's leadership shapes energy policy amid growing environmental concerns and calls for the transition to renewable sources.
While the administration aims for energy independence, Burgum must also contend with the pressing realities of climate change and the uncertainty of global environmental initiatives. How this balance will be struck remains to be seen, as critics prepare for continued advocacy against what they see as reckless environmental stewardship.