WASHINGTON – Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum took part in his confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary on Thursday.
He heard questions from Senators on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Burgum touted his accomplishments with North Dakota oil and gas production and his relationships with tribal nations.
“In North Dakota we created a prosperous economy by sustainably developing our natural resources along with our respect for land and the wildlife and at the same time having among the cleanest air and and the cleanest water in the country,” Burgum explained.
If confirmed by the full Senate, Burgum would oversee the management and conservation of most federal land and natural resources and lead agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, United States Geological Survey, Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Park Service.
Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii asked Burgum if he would tell President Donald Trump he won’t allow oil drilling in Bear Ears National Monument in Utah. In 2017 Trump signed a bill into law shrinking the area of the national monument opening it up for drilling.
“As part of my sworn duty, I’ll follow the law and follow the constitution, so you can count on that. I have not heard of anything about President Trump wanting to do anything other than advancing energy production for the benefit of the American people,” Burgum said.
