During his tenure as North Dakota’s governor, which began in 2016, Burgum became a vocal proponent of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). On his first day in office, he urged then-President Barack Obama’s administration to approve the necessary easements for the pipeline’s completion, citing delays that he believed were politically motivated. Burgum also called on the federal government to reimburse North Dakota $17 million for law enforcement costs incurred during the DAPL protests.
Trump picks North Dakota governor to lead Interior : A Shift in Leadership at Interior
Burgum is set to replace Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary, who has been a key figure in President Biden’s environmental policy. Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, was confirmed by the Senate in March 2021 and has since led initiatives focused on conservation, tribal sovereignty, and renewable energy.
Under Haaland’s leadership, the Department of the Interior has been at the forefront of Biden’s climate agenda, prioritizing the protection of public lands and waters. Burgum’s appointment, however, signals a shift towards a more pro-energy development stance, aligning with Trump’s America First energy policies.
Ongoing Controversy Over the Dakota Access Pipeline
The Dakota Access Pipeline, which Burgum has long supported, remains a contentious issue. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been actively fighting to protect its lands and waters, particularly the segment of the pipeline running beneath Lake Oahe. Last month, the tribe asked a D.C. federal judge to halt operations of the pipeline, arguing that Energy Transfer LP’s latest emergency response plan lacks a realistic assessment of a worst-case oil spill scenario.
