Burgum grilled on environmental issues targeted by Trump during confirmation hearing: 'Drill, baby, drill'

A confirmation hearing was held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday for Burgum, a 2024 presidential candidate who was tapped to lead the department that manages public land, wildlife and natural resources.

"This is a guy who really fits this job," Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said as he introduced Burgum, who grew up in Arthur, North Dakota.

"When energy production is restricted in America, it doesn't reduce demand. It just shifts production to countries like Russia and Iran, whose autocratic leaders not only don't care at all about the environment, but they use their revenues from energy sales to fund wars against us and our allies," Burgum said in his opening statement.

"President Trump's energy dominance vision will end those wars abroad and will make life more affordable for every family in America by driving down inflation.

"And President Trump will achieve those goals while championing clean air, clean water and protecting our beautiful lands."

The Biden administration has enacted recent policies keeping animals on the endangered species list and blocking coal mining and liquefied natural gas exports (LNG). Republicans asked Burgum about his approach to these specific Biden-era policies, which he agreed are policies that should be reevaluated.

Burgum told lawmakers that, if confirmed, his agenda would be anchored by two issues - national security and the economy.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, using a phrase coined by the incoming president, asked the interior nominee if he is going to "drill, baby, drill" after claiming Trump wants to drill in national parks.

"As part of my sworn duty, I'll follow the law and follow the Constitution. And so you can count on that," Burgum responded. "And I have not heard of anything about President Trump wanting to do anything other than advancing energy production for the benefit of the American people."

Asked if he will commit to current wind projects, Burgum said, "I'm not familiar with every project that the interior has underway, but I'll certainly be taking a look at all of those."

"President Trump's been very clear in his statements that he's concerned about the significant amount of tax incentives that have gone towards some forms of energy, that have helped exacerbate this imbalance that we're seeing right now," Burgum said in reference to Trump raising the issue of subsidies for wind energy projects.

Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada asked if Burgum would support repealing credits for electric vehicles, which could reportedly be axed by Trump during his upcoming term. 

"I support economics and markets," Burgum responded, highlighting the costs of EVs compared to liquid fuel with zero carbon. 

Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, the former secretary of interior during Trump's first term, told Fox News he is "very confident" Burgum will be confirmed for the top administration post.