Gov. Kelly Armstrong expressed approval following the U.S. Senate's confirmation of former Gov. Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior. Burgum becomes the second North Dakotan to assume this role, succeeding Tom Kleppe who served in 1975.
Armstrong commented on Burgum's qualifications, stating, “The strong support Governor Burgum received throughout the confirmation process speaks volumes about his unique qualifications to serve as Secretary of the Interior.” He highlighted Burgum's experience in energy and public lands management as key factors for his suitability for the position.
Burgum will lead the U.S. Department of the Interior, a Cabinet-level agency responsible for managing natural and cultural resources across the nation. The department oversees more than 500 million acres of public lands and 1.7 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf through its various bureaus including National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Additionally, President Trump has appointed Burgum to chair the newly established National Energy Council, granting him a seat on the National Security Council.
Armstrong emphasized that “Doug understands that safe, responsible development of our nation’s abundant natural resources is key to curbing inflation, growing the economy and paying down our national debt for future generations.” He believes that Burgum will significantly contribute to advancing U.S. energy policies under Trump's administration.
Burgum is noted as being one of only two North Dakotans to have led a U.S. Cabinet agency since Ed Schafer headed the Department of Agriculture from 2008-2009.
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