Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Interior, has set his environmental policy agenda in the Senate and its mandate to overturn many environmental rules and regulations enacted under the Biden administration. The question was asked whether it was consistent with the mission of .
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing Thursday for Burgum, a 2024 presidential nominee to lead the department that manages public lands, wildlife and natural resources.
In introducing Burgum, who grew up in Arthur, North Dakota, Sen. John Hoeven, RN.D., said, “This is a man who is truly qualified for this job.”
Democrats focused their questions on whether Burgum matched Trump's positions on wind power and electric vehicles, while Republicans focused on his efforts to manage forests, increase energy production and revive interest in nuclear energy. I asked a question.
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Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum takes the oath during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on his nomination for Secretary of the Interior at the Capitol on January 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Saul Loeb)
“Limiting energy production in the United States does not reduce demand; it only moves production to countries like Russia and Iran, whose authoritarian leaders not only do not care about the environment at all; , will use the proceeds from energy sales to fund the war against us and our allies,'' Burgum said in his opening statement.
“President Trump's vision for energy dominance will end wars overseas and reduce inflation, making life more affordable for every American family.
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“And President Trump will achieve these goals while championing clean air, clean water, and protecting our beautiful lands.”
The Biden administration recently enacted policies that keep the animals on the endangered species list and block coal mining and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Republicans asked Burgum about his approach to these specific Biden-era policies, and he agreed they were policies that should be reevaluated.
Doug Burgum, former North Dakota governor and nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Interior, attends his Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee confirmation hearing on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Al Drago)
Burgum told lawmakers that if confirmed, his agenda would center on two issues: national security and the economy.
“Without baseload, we will lose the AI (artificial intelligence) arms race with China,” he said.
Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) used a phrase coined by the president-elect after President Trump claimed he wanted drilling in national parks: “Drill, baby, drill.” asked the domestic policy candidates if they planned to do so.
“As part of my sworn duty, I obey the law and the Constitution, so you can expect that,” Burgum responded. “And I have never heard of President Trump wanting to do anything other than promote energy production for the benefit of the American people.”
President-elect Trump recently suggested that his administration may introduce policies to block all new wind energy projects, but the topic was brought up by Democratic Sen. Angus King of Maine during the hearing. Mr. Burgum praised the company, saying, “We have all of the above energy strategies.''
President-elect Trump will speak at America Fest in Phoenix on December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Scutelli)
Asked if he would be working on any current wind projects, Burgum said: “I'm not familiar with all of the projects that Interior has going on, but we're definitely going to look at all of them.”
In reference to President Trump's remarks, Burgum said, “President Trump said that the large amount of tax breaks that go toward certain types of energy are helping to exacerbate this imbalance that we're seeing right now.'' “I have made it very clear in my remarks that I am concerned about this.” Subsidy issues for wind power projects.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Democrat of Nevada, asked whether Burgum would support repealing electric vehicle credits that President Trump reportedly could eliminate during his next term.
“I support the economy and the market,” Burgum replied, highlighting the cost of EVs compared to zero-carbon liquid fuels.
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Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, who served as Interior Secretary during Trump's first term, told Fox News that he was “very confident” that Burgum would be confirmed for the top post in the administration. .
