Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
- Doug Burgum pledges collaboration with Sen. Mike Lee and Utah officials on federal lands issues.
- Burgum emphasizes energy production, environmental protection, and local consultation in his nomination hearing.
- The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance opposes Burgum's nomination, citing concerns over extractive industry priorities.
WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, warned Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum of the daunting task that faces him should he be the ultimate pick to be the landlord of nearly one-fifth of the nation's lands.
"Your nomination to lead the Department of the Interior comes at an urgent time as Americans under the policies of the Biden administration are suffering from skyrocketing energy prices that drive up the cost of everything — from gas to groceries, from housing to health care to restrictive land use policies that tend to stifle growth," Lee said during the Thursday Senate hearing.
"Generally, the challenges facing American families are mounting, and they're staggering. This past November, voters decided to send a clear message. They demanded bold leaders willing to break from the status quo and take a fresh approach, one less likely to result in this awful pattern of inflation in which we found ourselves over the last four years."
Burgum, North Dakota's governor, developed a software company back in the day of floppy discs and later sold that company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion.
During his tenure as a two-term governor, he resided over record oil production but vowed for North Dakota to be carbon neutral by 2030 using carbon capture and storage.
It was noted during the hearing he has the support of all five tribes in North Dakota and urging of a successful nomination from more than 100 other tribes.
"The dozens of letters of support nationwide further underscore your reputation as a leader, one who's committed to change, committed to fostering relationships, and they reflect pretty widespread confidence in your vision and your readiness to lead this organization," Lee said.
Burgum was questioned by committee membership on a number of issues, and following the mantra of President-elect Donald Trump's "drill baby drill," he promised the agency would hold lease-sales on a regular basis as required by law.
Offering a lease-sale of a parcel of land does not guarantee permission to drill, but it does boost industry and investor confidence.
"Today, America produces energy cleaner, smarter and safer than anywhere in the world, and when energy production is restricted in America, it doesn't reduce demand, it just shifts production to countries like Russia and Iran, whose autocratic leaders not only don't care at all about the environment, but they use their revenues from energy sales to fund wars against us and our allies," Burgum said. "President Trump's energy dominance vision will end those wars abroad. We will make life more affordable for every family in America by driving down inflation, and President Trump will achieve those goals while championing clean air, clean water and protecting our beautiful land."
Burgum pioneered the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Medora, North Dakota, at the gateway to Roosevelt's home, in which both his wife and daughter died the same day and which is the gateway to the national park named in his honor.
The nominee said the building is to honor the leader who advised America to walk softly, speak softly and carry a big stick.
"In our time, President Trump's energy dominance can be America's big stick that we leverage to achieve historic prosperity and world peace," he said.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, wanted assurances that Burgum will keep key environmental efforts in place such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and to not disrupt an outdoor economy she described as the "juggernaut" of the country.
Burgum, who grew up in a tiny town with unpaved roads in North Dakota, is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing, among other activities. He assured her he is in line with protecting landscapes being put to that use.
Lee, however, brought up the issue of the creation of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments which have been altered in size by multiple administrations.
He wants Burgum to visit Utah and see the vast monuments for himself and wanted a commitment from him to work with locals.
"I would look forward to working with you, and particularly in the area of local consultation, because when the federal government overreaches into a state like yours, that's already over 60% of its land in (federal) lands, and restricts that use, it's got tremendous impact on tribes, on the local communities and all those around and I just think it's important that we strike the right balance," Burgum said.
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, who oppose Burgum's confirmation, said his priorities are not good for Utah.
"Management of federal public lands in Utah requires a thoughtful, balanced approach, but during today's hearing Governor Burgum made it clear that if confirmed, the scales will be wildly tipped in favor of extractive industry and fossil fuels," said Lauren Hainsworth, legislative advocate for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "Utah's red rock country and wildest places are national treasures and should be conserved, not exploited. We encourage the Senate to reject Governor Burgum's nomination."
