Doug Burgum, Trump’s Nominee for Interior Secretary, Raises Concerns Over Renewable Energy and Advocates for Fossil Fuels
The former North Dakota governor defends the development of fossil fuels while questioning the reliability of renewable energy sources, as he prepares for a Senate confirmation hearing.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Doug Burgum, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Interior Secretary, appeared before a Senate panel Thursday, where he questioned the reliability of renewable energy and voiced support for fossil fuel development as a means to promote global peace and national security.
Burgum, who served as the governor of North Dakota, discussed Trump’s push for U.S. “energy dominance,” which he believes could reduce global reliance on fossil fuels from autocratic nations such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, which have fewer environmental safeguards. He also argued that the U.S. must increase the generation of "baseload" electricity from coal and other traditional energy sources to support the growing demand from the technology sector, particularly data centers.
“This is critical to our national security,” Burgum stated. “Without baseload power, we risk losing the AI arms race to China.”
His comments were met with a challenge from Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, who expressed concern about the environmental impact of burning more fossil fuels, especially given military leaders' warnings that climate change is a threat to global stability.
“I’m troubled by your position to engage in actions that result in burning more fossil fuels,” Hirono said, referring to the potential escalation of global instability and conflicts fueled by climate change.
When asked about his stance on climate change, Burgum acknowledged it as a "global phenomenon" but remained firm in his belief that fossil fuel development remains essential.
The Interior Department oversees over half a billion acres of federal land, producing a significant portion of the nation’s oil and gas. Under President Joe Biden, efforts to curb climate change led to reduced new oil and gas leases on public lands. However, Burgum’s nomination signals a return to the Trump administration's pro-fossil fuel stance, which seeks to expand drilling and limit renewable energy growth.
Burgum, who became known for his tech industry background and his time as governor of the oil-rich state of North Dakota, was questioned by Senator Angus King (I-Maine) about his views on wind power. North Dakota, which gets a substantial portion of its energy from wind, serves as a counterpoint to Burgum’s position on intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
“The grid needs more resources that provide continuous power, not intermittent power,” Burgum argued, claiming that incentives for renewable energy are disproportionate.
Trump has vowed to end the offshore wind industry if he regains office, and Burgum echoed this sentiment, stating that he would not try to change Trump’s position on the matter.
Regarding existing offshore wind leases, Burgum clarified that approved projects which make sense would continue, though he is unlikely to support new developments.
Burgum, an ultra-wealthy entrepreneur with a background in the software industry, has endorsed Trump after suspending his own bid for the 2024 presidential race. Trump selected Burgum to lead the Interior Department and chair a new energy council to promote the development of oil, gas, and other energy sources globally.
As governor, Burgum had advocated for a carbon-neutral North Dakota by 2030, and he has promoted a carbon-capture pipeline to address climate change. However, he argued that decarbonizing traditional fuels could be a more cost-effective approach than subsidizing renewable energy sources.
“Decarbonizing traditional fuels more cheaply than subsidizing renewables is something we should consider,” Burgum said, though critics of carbon capture technology argue it remains untested at large scales.
Burgum also addressed the management of public lands, which falls under the Interior Department’s purview. He was questioned by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) regarding the expansion of national monuments, such as Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, under the Antiquities Act. Burgum expressed his support for protecting significant sites but also emphasized the importance of utilizing federal lands for recreation, logging, and oil and gas production.
“Not every acre of federal land is a national park or a wilderness area,” he said. “These lands are part of America’s balance sheet, and we need to manage them effectively.”
Burgum’s testimony marked the beginning of his confirmation process, and if approved, he will assume responsibility for managing the vast array of federal lands and energy resources under the Interior Department.