During his confirmation hearing, Burgum was questioned about environmental issues that Trump has targeted, including the phrase 'Drill, baby, drill'.

During his confirmation hearing, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump's nominee for interior secretary, faced questioning from the Senate about his environmental agenda and whether it aligns with Trump's plan to repeal many environmental rules and regulations established under the Biden administration.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing for Burgum, a 2024 presidential candidate, on Thursday to discuss his appointment as head of the department responsible for managing public land, wildlife, and natural resources.

As Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., introduced Burgum, he stated, "This is a man who truly embodies the qualities needed for this position." Burgum, who hails from Arthur, North Dakota, has proven himself to be an excellent fit for the job.

While Democrats questioned whether Burgum's stance on wind farming and electric vehicles aligns with Trump's, Republicans focused on his commitment to forest management, increasing energy production, and reviving interest in nuclear energy.

Burgum stated that when energy production is limited in America, the demand doesn't decrease; instead, it is shifted to countries like Russia and Iran, whose leaders, who are autocratic and don't care about the environment, use the revenue from energy sales to fund wars against us and our allies.

Trump's energy dominance plan will put an end to foreign wars and reduce inflation, making life more affordable for all American families.

"President Trump will accomplish those objectives while advocating for clean air, clean water, and safeguarding our stunning landscapes."

Burgum acknowledged that the Biden administration's policies regarding endangered species and coal mining/LNG exports should be reevaluated, as requested by Republicans.

If confirmed, Burgum's agenda would focus on two key areas: national security and the economy.

"If we don't have a baseload, we will lose the AI arms race to China," he stated.

Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, queried the interior nominee about whether he would "drill, baby, drill" in line with President Trump's desire to drill in national parks.

"Burgum assured that as per his oath, he would adhere to the law and the Constitution. He added that he could be relied upon to do so. Furthermore, he stated that he had no information suggesting that President Trump intended to act against the interests of the American people by impeding energy production."

During a hearing, Democratic Sen. Angus King of Maine praised Burgum for his "all of the above energy strategy," while President-elect Trump suggested his administration might introduce a policy to halt new wind energy projects.

Burgum stated that he will examine all wind projects underway in the interior department, although he is not familiar with every project.

Trump has expressed his concern about the substantial tax incentives that have contributed to the imbalance in energy production, as stated by Burgum in reference to Trump's discussion of wind energy subsidies.

Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, questioned Burgum's stance on repealing tax credits for electric vehicles, which may be eliminated by Trump during his next term.

Burgum emphasized the costs of EVs compared to liquid fuel with zero carbon, stating his support for economics and markets.

Burgum will be confirmed for the top administration post, according to Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, who served as the former secretary of interior during Trump's first term and is "very confident" in his selection.