President-elect Donald Trump has chosen North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior, the agency responsible for managing public lands and natural resources, as well as overseeing key bodies like the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Burgum's appointment, pending Senate confirmation, would position him to influence decisions on offshore and onshore renewable energy projects. BOEM and BSEE play critical roles in permitting and regulating offshore wind projects, while the BLM handles siting for onshore wind and solar developments on federal lands.
Known for his support of the oil and gas industry, Burgum has governed a state that has been central to the U.S. shale boom. Early in his tenure as governor, he managed North Dakota's response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, a flashpoint in debates over fossil fuel infrastructure and Indigenous rights.
Burgum's selection signals a potential shift in priorities for the Department of the Interior, which under current Secretary Deb Haaland has aggressively expanded offshore wind development. During her tenure, the department approved 15 GW of offshore wind sites, initiated six offshore lease auctions, and set a robust timeline for future wind development.
Despite his background in fossil fuels, Burgum has advocated for a goal of carbon neutrality for North Dakota by 2030, though his plan relies on voluntary measures rather than regulatory mandates. His leadership at the Department of the Interior could shape the balance between traditional energy development and the Biden administration's renewable energy initiatives.
