President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday the formation of a National Energy Council (NEC) to unify federal energy policies and accelerate U.S. energy production, appointing North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as its chair. The council will coordinate federal departments and agencies involved in permitting and regulating all forms of energy, according to a statement from Trump's transition team.
“This Council will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and by focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation,” Trump said.
Burgum, Trump's pick for interior secretary, will simultaneously serve as the NEC chair, a role that grants him a seat on the National Security Council. As interior secretary, Burgum will oversee the management of 500 million acres of federal and tribal lands, including policies related to energy and mineral development.
Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Western Energy Alliance, praised the appointment, calling it a significant step for energy development. “Gov. Burgum implemented an energy dominance agenda in North Dakota and is the perfect choice to advance forward President-elect Trump's agenda on public lands and the nation overall,” she said. “The simultaneous role as chairman of the National Energy Council is really encouraging, as it shows a focus on what's the real obstacle—excessive red tape and overregulation.”
Trump also highlighted the broader economic implications of his energy policies, including reducing electricity costs, supporting technological advancements like artificial intelligence, and cutting the national deficit. “Doug Burgum will protect our Nation's Natural Resources, restore our fabulous Oil and Gas advantage, and Make America, and its Energy, Dominant and Great Again!” Trump added.
