Burgum advocates federal oil expansion amid policy shift

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Doug Burgum, President Trump's nominee for Interior Secretary, emphasized his commitment to expanding fossil fuel production on U.S. public lands and waters, arguing that energy dominance is crucial for national security. He criticized the Biden administration's restrictions on drilling, claiming that limiting domestic production merely shifts energy needs to less environmentally conscious countries like Russia and Iran. Burgum proposed that lifting restrictions on oil and gas leasing could significantly increase base-load electricity supply, which he believes is essential for a modern economy competing globally. He also contended that maximizing energy output could lower consumer prices while maintaining environmental standards. His nomination marks a significant policy shift towards aggressive energy extraction after years of restrictions under the previous administration. Burgum's extensive ties to the oil industry and potential conflicts of interest were largely unexamined during the hearing.