Doug Burgum, Trump’s nominee for public lands, raises doubts about renewable energy’s reliability amid calls for fossil fuel development.
Burgum believes that boosting fossil fuel production can help counteract the influence of countries like Russia and Iran. He argues that the U.S. needs more stable energy sources, especially for tech industries that rely on consistent power. He even mentioned that without a solid energy base, the U.S. risks falling behind in the AI race against China.
However, not everyone is on board with his views. Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii challenged him, pointing out that military leaders see climate change as a serious threat. Burgum acknowledged climate change but still thinks it’s a global issue that needs addressing through various means, including fossil fuels.
The Interior Department manages a huge chunk of federal land, which is crucial for oil production. While Biden’s administration has tried to limit new oil and gas sales, production has still hit record highs. Trump has promised to ramp up drilling, and Burgum seems to support that agenda.
When asked about renewable energy, Burgum said he wouldn’t push Trump to embrace it. He thinks the electric grid needs more reliable sources rather than intermittent ones like solar and wind. He pointed out that there are already plenty of tax incentives for renewable energy, suggesting the system is skewed.
Burgum, a wealthy entrepreneur and former governor, has a mixed record on climate issues. He once aimed for carbon neutrality in North Dakota by 2030 and supported a pipeline for capturing greenhouse gases. He believes there’s potential to make fossil fuels cleaner and cheaper than some renewables.
As he steps into this role, Burgum will oversee not just fossil fuels but also conservation and Native American affairs. His appointment could reignite debates over environmental protections and energy policies, especially as Trump looks to push his energy agenda forward.
