President-elect Donald J. Trump has appointed North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department, a move that could further open up federal lands and waters for oil and gas drilling. Governor Burgum, 68, has strong ties to the fossil fuel industry and was instrumental in Mr. Trump’s transition.
The Interior Department manages vast public lands and coastal waters, leasing them for drilling as well as renewable energy projects. As Secretary of the Interior, Governor Burgum will oversee efforts to cut energy bills in half by “drilling, drill, drill.”
Critics say that this appointment could lead to environmental disasters and harm wildlife refuges. Scientists warn that burning fossil fuels is a major driver of climate change.
Governor Burgum has been a proponent of drilling and has accepted millions in donations from oil companies. His appointment comes after Mr. Trump promised to relax regulations on pollution and harm wildlife.
The decision has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who say Governor Burgum will prioritize the interests of the fossil fuel industry over those of the public.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/climate/trump-burgum-for-interior-secretary.html