U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi expressed her support for Doug Burgum, nominated by President-elect Trump to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which includes Hyde-Smith, conducted a confirmation hearing for Burgum, who is currently the Governor of North Dakota.
Hyde-Smith emphasized the significance of Burgum’s potential role in shaping offshore energy production and heritage protections in Mississippi. “Doug Burgum is incredibly capable of leading the Interior Department, and I am eager for his ability to implement a pro-energy, pro-America agenda as Secretary,” she stated after the hearing.
The senator questioned Burgum on whether he would prioritize developing a new five-year plan for offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico. “Offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, of course, plays a vital role in Gulf States’ economies,” she said. “Will it be a priority for Interior to develop and finalize a new five-year plan?”
Burgum assured that achieving energy dominance would involve increasing energy production. He noted that regular and predictable lease sales are essential for maintaining energy projection in the country. “The fact that during the current administration, the lease sales have been unpredictable and disruptive… almost guarantees we would see a decline in energy production in the years ahead because of the lead times,” he remarked.
Additionally, Hyde-Smith sought assurance from Burgum on supporting public-private projects at Vicksburg National Military Park and Natchez National Historical Park. She invited him to visit Mississippi to observe these sites firsthand. “We’re very blessed with several National Park Service sites in Mississippi that contribute to our tourism and economy,” she mentioned.
Burgum responded positively to the invitation, stating, “We need to take care of these sites whether historic or others… We know they are great for the local economy.”
The nomination requires approval from both the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and subsequently from the full Senate.
