Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump’s nominee for inside secretary, was pressed by the Senate on his environmental agenda and whether or not his mission aligns with that of Trump, who plans to overturn many environmental guidelines and laws enacted underneath the Biden administration.
A affirmation listening to was held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday for Burgum, a 2024 presidential candidate who was tapped to steer the division that manages public land, wildlife and pure sources.
“This is a man who actually matches this job,” Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., mentioned as he launched Burgum, who grew up in Arthur, North Dakota.
Democrats targeted their questioning on whether or not Burgum aligns with Trump’s stance on wind farming and electrical autos, whereas Republicans requested about his dedication to forest administration, growing vitality manufacturing and resurrecting curiosity in nuclear vitality.
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is sworn in throughout a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee listening to on his nomination to be secretary of the inside on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, 2025. (Saul Loeb)
“When vitality manufacturing is restricted in America, it does not cut back demand. It simply shifts manufacturing to international locations like Russia and Iran, whose autocratic leaders not solely do not care in any respect concerning the setting, however they use their revenues from vitality gross sales to fund wars in opposition to us and our allies,” Burgum mentioned in his opening assertion.
“President Trump’s vitality dominance imaginative and prescient will finish these wars overseas and can make life extra inexpensive for each household in America by driving down inflation.
DEMS BLAME LA FIRE ON ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ DESPITE CITY CUTTING FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
“And President Trump will obtain these objectives whereas championing clear air, clear water and defending our lovely lands.”
The Biden administration has enacted latest insurance policies retaining animals on the endangered species record and blocking coal mining and liquefied pure fuel exports (LNG). Republicans requested Burgum about his method to those particular Biden-era insurance policies, which he agreed are insurance policies that needs to be reevaluated.
Doug Burgum, the previous governor of North Dakota and nominee for U.S. secretary of the inside, throughout a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee affirmation listening to in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Al Drago)
Burgum advised lawmakers that, if confirmed, his agenda can be anchored by two points — nationwide safety and the financial system.
“Without baseload, we’ll lose the AI (artificial intelligence) arms race to China,” he mentioned.
Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, utilizing a phrase coined by the incoming president, requested the inside nominee if he’s going to “drill, child, drill” after claiming Trump desires to drill in nationwide parks.
“As a part of my sworn responsibility, I’ll comply with the legislation and comply with the Constitution. And so you may depend on that,” Burgum responded. “And I’ve not heard of something about President Trump eager to do something apart from advancing vitality manufacturing for the good thing about the American folks.”
President-elect Trump recently suggested his administration might introduce coverage to dam all new wind vitality initiatives, a subject raised by Democratic Sen. Angus King of Maine, who applauded Burgum for having “all the above vitality technique” through the listening to.
President-elect Trump speaks at AmericaFest Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Asked if he’ll decide to present wind initiatives, Burgum mentioned, “I’m not conversant in each undertaking that the inside has underway, however I’ll actually be having a look in any respect of these.”
“President Trump’s been very clear in his statements that he is involved concerning the important quantity of tax incentives which have gone in direction of some types of vitality, which have helped exacerbate this imbalance that we’re seeing proper now,” Burgum mentioned in reference to Trump elevating the problem of subsidies for wind vitality initiatives.
Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada requested if Burgum would help repealing credit for electrical autos, which might reportedly be axed by Trump throughout his upcoming time period.
“I help economics and markets,” Burgum responded, highlighting the prices of EVs in comparison with liquid gasoline with zero carbon.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, the previous secretary of inside throughout Trump’s first time period, advised Fox News he’s “very assured” Burgum shall be confirmed for the highest administration publish.
