Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is set to appear before a Senate committee this Thursday as lawmakers evaluate his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior. President Donald Trump nominated Burgum for this key position in November, also placing him at the helm of the National Energy Council, an entity focused on boosting energy development, including oil and gas.
The Department of the Interior manages approximately 500 million acres of federal land, including extensive offshore areas. These lands are vital, producing about one-quarter of the country’s oil, which amounts to over one billion barrels annually. This situation has positioned these resources at the center of the national conversation about addressing climate change.
In contrast to President Biden’s administration, which has restricted new oil and gas sales from public lands in an effort to combat climate change, oil production has reached record highs under his leadership due to rising prices spurring activity in previously leased areas.
Burgum, a wealthy software entrepreneur who has served as governor in an oil-rich state, endorsed Trump after he ended his own presidential campaign for 2024. As the head of the National Energy Council, he could significantly impact Trump’s strategy to increase U.S. energy exports to allies in Europe and beyond.
While Trump has exhibited skepticism towards renewable energy initiatives, particularly offshore wind, the implementation of such sentiments in policies at the Interior Department remains to be seen. Notably, North Dakota has embraced wind power expansion in recent years, while Burgum has proposed ambitious plans for carbon neutrality by 2030, including projects aimed at capturing greenhouse gases for underground storage.
Critics argue that carbon-capture technology is largely untested and may permit the fossil-fuel industry to continue operating with minimal changes. The Department of the Interior’s responsibilities also encompass mining, grazing, fish and wildlife conservation, and overseeing 500 Native American and Alaska Native tribes.
During Trump’s initial term, the Interior Department’s decisions often led to contentious debates over conservation efforts and infrastructure projects. Many of these actions faced obstacles through lawsuits or were reversed under Biden’s administration.
Burgum’s nomination hearing will take place amidst an environment of protest, as energy secretary nominee Chris Wright faced disruptions at his own Senate hearing the previous day. Wright emphasized the importance of promoting all American energy sources, acknowledging the impact of fossil fuel consumption on climate change.
