Peace Garden News

President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior. In addition, Trump revealed the creation of a National Energy Council, which Burgum will chair. This council aims to integrate every agency involved in energy development, production, and distribution.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) spoke on the Senate floor regarding this announcement. He praised Burgum's innovative approach and business acumen, noting his past success with Great Plains Software, which was sold to Microsoft for $1.1 billion.

Cramer emphasized that traditionally, a cabinet secretary's role is confined to their agency's boundaries as defined by the Constitution and U.S. laws. However, Trump's decision to form the National Energy Council marks a significant shift towards coordinated energy policy management across multiple agencies.

"The pick of Governor Burgum and the creation of the council are brilliant moves by a president who has made energy dominance a central pillar of his second administration," Cramer stated. He underscored the importance of deliberate coordination among various departments to simplify interactions between energy producers and the federal government.

As Secretary of the Interior and chair of the National Energy Council, Burgum is expected to lead efforts in reducing bureaucratic obstacles and enhancing American energy production. Cramer concluded his speech by congratulating both President Trump and Governor Burgum on this initiative.