Bismarck, ND – At a Senate hearing on Thursday, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, addressed the challenges facing Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota and President Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of the Interior. Lee, speaking candidly, emphasized the importance of Burgum’s potential role at a time when American families are grappling with rising energy prices and inflation, particularly under the policies of the Biden administration.
“The challenges facing American families are mounting, and they’re staggering,” Lee stated, drawing attention to the increasing costs of everyday goods, from gas to groceries. Lee attributed these rising costs to restrictive land use policies that, in his view, hinder growth. He also referenced the 2024 elections, where voters, according to Lee, made it clear they wanted leaders who would take a fresh approach to economic challenges.
Burgum, a former software entrepreneur who sold his company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion, served two terms as North Dakota’s governor. He presided over a period of record oil production in the state and has made headlines with his pledge for North Dakota to become carbon neutral by 2030 through carbon capture and storage technologies. His leadership has earned him the support of all five Native American tribes in North Dakota, along with endorsements from over 100 other tribes across the country.
Lee praised Burgum for his leadership and for fostering positive relationships, noting that the numerous letters of support for Burgum’s nomination reflected a widespread confidence in his vision and readiness to lead the Department of the Interior. Despite this, Burgum’s testimony during the hearing was met with questions from several senators, including those from states that prioritize environmental protections.
One of the most significant aspects of Burgum’s platform, which aligns with the energy policies of former President Donald Trump, is his commitment to holding regular lease sales on public lands, a practice required by law. Burgum emphasized that offering lease sales does not guarantee drilling rights but serves to boost investor confidence in the energy sector.
He also argued that restricting energy production in the U.S. only shifts production to countries with less regard for environmental standards, such as Russia and Iran. Burgum echoed Trump’s “energy dominance” vision, asserting that energy independence could reduce global conflicts funded by autocratic regimes and bring economic benefits to American families.
The conversation also turned to environmental issues, as Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) sought assurances that Burgum would uphold key environmental programs, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and ensure the protection of the outdoor economy in states like hers. Burgum, who has a personal passion for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, reassured Cantwell that he supported the conservation of landscapes used for outdoor recreation.
However, the issue of public land management was a point of contention. Sen. Lee raised concerns about the creation and management of national monuments in Utah, such as the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, which have been altered in size by multiple administrations. Lee urged Burgum to visit these monuments in Utah and engage with local communities to understand the impact of federal land designations on local economies and tribal interests.
Burgum, in his response, emphasized the importance of local consultation when making decisions that affect lands already heavily overseen by the federal government. He acknowledged the significance of striking a balance between federal land use restrictions and the needs of local communities.
Despite Burgum’s assurances, not all were in favor of his confirmation. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA), an advocacy group opposing Burgum’s nomination, voiced concerns about his priorities. Lauren Hainsworth, a legislative advocate for SUWA, criticized Burgum for suggesting that his tenure would favor extractive industries and fossil fuels over conservation. “Utah’s red rock country and wildest places are national treasures and should be conserved, not exploited,” Hainsworth said, urging the Senate to reject Burgum’s nomination.
Burgum’s nomination comes at a time of heightened debate over the balance between energy development, environmental protection, and the economic needs of local communities. As the Senate continues to review his nomination, it remains to be seen whether his approach to managing the nation’s vast public lands will resonate with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.