**Trump's Nomination of Doug Burgum for Interior Secretary Draws Fire from Environmental Groups**

Donald Trump's announcement of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his pick for interior secretary has sparked significant backlash from environmental organizations. Burgum, a Republican and former businessman who has been North Dakota’s governor since 2016, is also slated to chair a National Energy Council under Trump’s proposed administration. This council would be tasked with guiding the nation towards "U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE" and a focus on achieving "AI superiority."

Burgum's nomination has alarmed many environmental advocates due to his ties to the oil and gas industry. North Dakota stands as the third-largest oil and natural gas producer in the United States, and fears are rising that Burgum's confirmation by the Senate could lead to increased drilling on federal lands, including national parks and wildlife refuges. This concern is compounded by Trump’s campaign promises of ramping up oil and gas extraction, including plans to develop the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

The Sierra Club, the most prominent non-profit environmental organization in the United States, expressed deep concerns about Burgum's nomination. They cited his involvement in arranging a Mar-a-Lago meeting where Trump allegedly promised to overturn environmental regulations in exchange for substantial campaign contributions from the oil and gas sector. The Sierra Club emphasized Burgum’s long-standing efforts to roll back environmental protections, suggesting that his confirmation would likely prioritize fossil fuel interests over public land conservation.

Echoing these sentiments, the Center for Western Priorities criticized Burgum's lack of experience in managing public lands. They noted that while North Dakota is a significant oil state, it does not have the same level of federal public lands as other western states, and they argued that Burgum’s close connections with the oil industry make him an unfit candidate for overseeing 20% of America's lands. The organization warned that attempts to monetize public lands further or diminish national parks and monuments would ultimately place Burgum on the wrong side of history.

The Center for Biological Diversity also condemned Burgum’s nomination, predicting he would prioritize fossil fuel industry profits over the preservation of public lands and endangered wildlife.

Interestingly, Burgum has shown some awareness of climate change issues. In 2021, he supported a vision for North Dakota to become carbon neutral by 2030, advocating for continued reliance on fossil fuels supplemented by carbon capture and storage technologies. While environmental groups initially appreciated this ambition, they criticized the practicality of depending on unproven technologies instead of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Jared Huffman, a progressive Democratic member of the House Natural Resources Committee, acknowledged the varied aspects of Burgum's environmental stance, suggesting a willingness to work with him despite the broader concerns.

Burgum's track record on other social issues also raises flags. He has signed numerous bills in North Dakota targeting LGBTQ+ rights, including measures that restrict gender-affirming care for minors, drag shows, and the use of facilities matching gender identity in specific institutions. These positions further complicate his potential role as a leading figure in national public land and energy management.