Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven announced that Doug Burgum has been confirmed as the Secretary of the Interior by a bipartisan Senate vote of 79 to 18. Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, emphasized Burgum's experience with public land issues and his support from Native American tribes in advocating for his confirmation.

Hoeven stated, "With the right kind of policies and a focus on innovation, our nation can be energy dominant, supporting a more secure nation, a stronger economy and more affordable living for the American people." He praised Burgum's understanding of America's energy resources and his relationships with Native American tribes. Hoeven expressed gratitude for his colleagues' support in confirming Burgum as the nation's 55th Secretary of the Interior.

In collaboration with Burgum as Interior Secretary and head of the National Energy Dominance Council, Hoeven aims to reverse what he describes as detrimental Green New Deal policies from the Biden-Harris administration. His objectives include opposing federal regulations such as those by President Biden through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which fall under Burgum’s purview.

Hoeven specifically targets rules like the Public Lands Rule that seeks to manage over 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands through conservation leases. Additionally, he opposes North Dakota's Resource Management Plan (RMP), which restricts leasing on potential federal oil, gas, and coal acreage in the state.

Furthermore, Hoeven plans to advance his BLM Mineral Spacing Act to eliminate redundant BLM permitting regulations and respect private mineral holders' rights.