President Trump hit the ground running post-inauguration and has highlighted a prominent theme throughout his decision-making process. Of primary focus, better business and a rebirth of the oil and gas industry top the list. President Trump proved that notion and named North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his Secretary of the Interior selection. As a successful businessman and the leader of a state that boasts the saying “Rockin’ the Backen,” Burgum gained national media coverage during the 2024 Republican presidential primary and then later stepped down to direct his support for the now 2024 election winner, President Trump.
Burgum seems to mirror Chris Wright as a big supporter of oil and gas drilling and clean energy. He pledged North Dakota would be carbon neutral by 2030 through carbon capture and storage solutions. He further exemplifies a smart business mentality by selling his software company to Microsoft for over $1 billion.
Assuming Burgum wins confirmation, his position is critical to President Trump’s plan to support businesses and achieve energy independence for the U.S. As the oversight entity of public and federal lands, the Department of the Interior manages their natural resources, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Services, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. With the recent restrictions waged at oil and gas activity on federal lands in Alaska and the turmoil involved with offshore oil and gas leasing, Burgum would have the power to change the direction supporting a pro-oil and gas strategy drastically.
Because the Department of Interior includes nearly one-fifth of domestic lands and waters, Burgum would gain the leverage needed to promote President Trump’s increasing oil and gas production agenda. Still, it will prove to be a tightrope walking with the department’s responsibility of protecting endangered species and maintaining relationships with Native American tribes recognized by the federal government. A careful balance can be achieved if responsible action is taken and kept.
During the first Trump administration, the federal government loosened the noose of oil and gas drilling regulations on federal lands. Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Interior, later stifled that ease during the Biden Administration’s reign. Now, Burgum will possess the ability to do the same to steer the ship in the direction mandated by President Trump. His reach is expected to be furthered as President Trump’s suspected lead of the recently created National Energy Council, which oversees regulatory processes throughout governmental agencies.
Although Bergum is expected to be confirmed, his views on conservation might fuel a barrage of questioning from the opposition. Today, drilling on federal lands contributes nearly twenty-five percent of domestic greenhouse gas emissions. With Bergum planning on privatizing public lands for drilling, an increase in fossil fuel production would increase the emissions of climate-warming gases. Environmentalists will rally in disapproval with tough questions directed by senators at Burgum.
Should Burgum achieve confirmation, his intentions remain transparent and clear. His ratifying President Trump’s beliefs only proves to identify action he will take as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Regulations will be eased to give oil and gas companies a better path to seize a historic opportunity. Whatever logical and appropriate actions are available to create a more business-friendly environment, Burgum will exercise its influence. However, the proposed Secretary must find a balance and respond to environmental concerns and restrictions.
Nick Vaccaro is a freelance writer and photographer. In addition to providing technical writing services, he is an HSE consultant in the oil and gas industry with twelve years of experience. Vaccaro also contributes to SHALE Oil and Gas Business Magazine, American Oil and Gas Investor, Oil and Gas Investor, Energies Magazine and Louisiana Sportsman Magazine. He has a BA in photojournalism from Loyola University and resides in the New Orleans area. Vaccaro can be reached at 985-966-0957 or [email protected].
