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The U.S. Senate confirmed former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary in a 79-18 vote. Burgum, 68, will oversee the management of 500 million acres of federal and tribal land, focusing on maximizing energy and mineral production.
A former software executive and staunch conservative, Burgum is expected to advance former President Donald Trump’s energy agenda by expanding oil and gas leasing in key states like Wyoming and New Mexico. He also supports increased offshore drilling, with Trump referring to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
During his nomination hearing, Burgum emphasized permitting reforms to accelerate energy infrastructure projects, including pipelines and transmission lines. His policies mark a stark shift from the Biden administration’s efforts to restrict drilling on public lands and promote renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Burgum previously ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries before dropping out and endorsing him. He is also under consideration to lead a new national council focused on boosting U.S. energy output.
His confirmation signals a major shift in federal land management policies, favoring fossil fuel development while likely reducing regulatory barriers for the industry.
