Doug Burgum, North Dakota’s former governor and a wealthy software industry entrepreneur, is now in charge of America’s parks, wildlife, and natural resources. The Senate backed him with a vote of 79-18.
“Doug Burgum knows that America’s natural resources are our greatest national asset,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said before the vote.
Burgum will manage about 500 million acres of public land – land that’s used for multiple purposes including conservation, recreation, and energy production. He’ll direct the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, overseeing both conservation efforts and energy development.
His approach to running these lands will likely boost oil and gas production. During his interview with senators, Burgum said he wants to make it faster and easier for companies to drill for oil and build pipelines on public lands. This marks a big change from recent years when the Biden administration focused more on renewable energy projects.
Native American leaders have praised Burgum’s work with tribes in North Dakota. “He understands the importance of honoring traditional values and culture,” said Janet Alkire, who leads the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
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President Trump has given Burgum another big job too – leading a new National Energy Council that will coordinate how America produces all types of energy.
Some environmental groups worry Burgum’s policies might increase pollution and harm wildlife. But business leaders support him, pointing to his track record of balancing business needs with land protection in North Dakota.
Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota says Burgum brings the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt – the president who started America’s national parks. “He understands the delicate balance between energy development, working lands, and stewardship better than anyone,” Cramer explained.
As Interior Secretary, Burgum now leads 70,000 government workers and is eighth in line to the presidency.
