Trump’s energy nominees vow to unleash American energy production and roll back environmental regulations.
At a Glance
- Doug Burgum and Lee Zeldin, nominated for Interior and EPA, likely to be confirmed
- Both commit to expanding fossil fuel exploration and dismantling Biden-era environmental policies
- Nominees emphasize energy dominance, economic prosperity, and national security
- Zeldin acknowledges climate change but stresses balance with economic growth
- Burgum plans to increase oil and gas leases on federal lands
Trump’s Energy Agenda Takes Shape
President-elect Donald Trump’s vision for America’s energy future is coming into focus as his nominees for key environmental positions face Senate confirmation hearings. Doug Burgum, tapped for Interior Secretary, and Lee Zeldin, chosen to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have made clear their commitment to expanding fossil fuel production and rolling back regulations implemented by the previous administration.
Your bills are about to come way down.
During their confirmation hearings, both nominees faced tough questioning from Democrats, particularly on issues related to climate change. However, they remained steadfast in their support for Trump’s agenda, emphasizing energy dominance and economic prosperity as primary goals for their respective departments.
Burgum’s Vision for Interior Department
Doug Burgum, the nominee for Interior Secretary, made a strong case for expanding America’s energy production capabilities. He highlighted the importance of energy dominance for national security and economic prosperity, warning against the dangers of relying on foreign energy sources.
“The American people have clearly placed their confidence in President Trump to achieve energy dominance. And by ‘energy dominance,’ that’s the foundation of American prosperity, affordability for American families, and unrivaled national security,” Doug Burgum said.
Burgum plans to increase oil and gas leases on federal lands, criticizing the Biden administration’s leasing policy as potentially illegal. He also supports multiple uses of public lands, including resource development, and described green energy sources as “intermittent” due to their reliance on weather conditions, advocating for a balance with baseload energy.
Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick for EPA Administrator, also pledged to uphold the agency’s mission while ensuring economic growth. He emphasized the need for legal compliance and transparency in EPA operations, promising to consider electric reliability and energy affordability in future regulations.
“Success is defined for many, including me, as leaving this world better than we found it. I want every child in this nation—including my daughters and your children—to inherit a world with clean air, clean water, and a thriving economy,” Lee Zeldin said.
Zeldin acknowledged the reality of climate change but stressed the importance of balancing environmental protection with economic considerations. He also emphasized the need for international cooperation, particularly with countries like China, to address global environmental challenges effectively.
The confirmation of Burgum and Zeldin would signal a significant shift in American energy and environmental policy.
Let’s hope it happens!
