President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday, November 15, 2024, that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, his pick for the Interior Department, will lead a newly formed National Energy Council focused on establishing U.S. “energy dominance” globally.
“Mr. Burgum, in his new role, will oversee a panel spanning all executive branch agencies involved in energy permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, and transportation,” said Mr. Trump in a statement. As chairman of the National Energy Council, Mr. Burgum will also have a seat on the National Security Council, added Mr. Trump.
“This Council will lead the way to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by reducing bureaucracy, boosting private sector investments across all economic sectors, and prioritizing INNOVATION over outdated regulations,” Mr. Trump emphasized.
The President-elect criticized the “radical left” for waging a war on American energy in the name of combatting climate change. His vision of energy dominance, previously highlighted during his first term, aims to enable the U.S. to supply oil, gas, and other energy sources to European allies, contributing to global security, according to Mr. Trump.
If implemented, Mr. Trump’s policies would represent a significant shift from the initiatives pursued by Democratic President Joe Biden, who has prioritized environmental issues like climate change, electric vehicles, and stricter regulations on carbon emissions from coal plants.
Mr. Trump pledged to revoke unspent funds from Mr. Biden’s climate and healthcare legislation and halt offshore wind projects upon his return to the White House in January.
Describing oil as “liquid gold,” Mr. Trump asserted that oil, natural gas, and minerals such as lithium and copper should be fully exploited. “We will ‘DRILL BABY DRILL,’ expand ALL forms of energy production to boost our economy, and create well-paying jobs,” Mr. Trump outlined.
At 68, Mr. Burgum assumed office as North Dakota governor in 2016, marking his first foray into elected politics. A former software executive, he led Great Plains Software, eventually acquired by Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001. Mr. Burgum has also held leadership roles in real estate development and venture capital.
As a Republican governor in a state dominated by agriculture and oil, Mr. Burgum has advocated for income tax cuts, regulatory reductions, and reforms in animal agriculture and higher education policies. He has championed a data-driven governance approach, supported the establishment of a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, and emphasized engagement with tribal nations.
Mr. Burgum’s 2023 presidential bid ended without gaining traction, leading to his endorsement of Mr. Trump.
Industry stakeholders welcomed Mr. Burgum’s appointment to the new administration, viewing Mr. Trump’s establishment of an energy council as a signal of renewed focus on boosting domestic production and streamlining regulations.
Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association and former vice president of the American Petroleum Institute, praised Mr. Burgum’s “deep understanding of American energy resources and public lands” as vital for addressing key issues like energy affordability and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the global energy market.
Conversely, David Seabrook, president of The Wilderness Society, characterized Mr. Burgum as “a longtime ally of fossil fuel interests” and highlighted his involvement in an event at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort where industry leaders were reportedly urged to donate $1 billion to Mr. Trump’s campaign in exchange for relaxed environmental regulations if re-elected.
Seabrook criticized the previous Trump administration for treating public lands as commodities for exploitation, expressing concerns about potential policies under Mr. Burgum’s leadership.
Earlier on the same day, Mr. Trump announced Steven Cheung as his White House communications director and Sergio Gor as the head of the personnel office, both long-time advisers.
Published – November 16, 2024 05:15 am IST
