New Energy Council Urges Trump: “Drill, Drill, Drill!” for Production Boost

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will serve as the Secretary of the Interior and lead a new National Energy Council. This appointment signals a significant shift towards prioritizing energy production within the incoming administration’s domestic policy.

Details surrounding the National Energy Council remain scarce, but this initiative appears to underscore Trump’s commitment to fossil fuels and increasing energy output. Frank Maisano, a senior principal at Bracewell LLP, expressed that this decision indicates a major policy focus for Trump’s administration.

In Trump’s statement, he highlighted Burgum’s dual role, saying, “This Council will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the economy, and by focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation.” The aim is to leverage America’s energy resources to bolster the domestic economy and support allies abroad.

Burgum emphasized the council’s mission by stating that it would enhance coordination among federal agencies to establish U.S. energy supremacy, which he believes will benefit consumers and contribute to reducing the national deficit.

Throughout his campaign, Trump consistently advocated for increased oil and gas production, claiming he would act decisively in this area once in office. During a December event, Trump mentioned a plan to tackle energy issues as a priority on day one, sparking speculation about the formation of a council to manage these initiatives.

Commenting on the administration’s direction, Lisa Frank, executive director of Environment America, noted that Trump’s focus on energy is consistent with his campaign promises, especially regarding fossil fuel production, which often varies among federal departments.

The role of the Department of Energy under Burgum’s leadership remains uncertain. Currently, this position is held by Jennifer Granholm, who has emphasized climate change as a central theme of her administration. Unlike the previous approach centered around climate initiatives, Burgum’s leadership may pivot towards expanded energy production, creating a complex challenge of balancing various energy priorities alongside responsibilities like public land management and conservation.

Burgum is recognized for advocating an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. His tenure as governor has seen North Dakota excel in wind energy production while facing criticism for its carbon emissions record. Environmental advocates and political analysts express mixed sentiments regarding Burgum’s selection, with some Democrats branding him as closely aligned with the oil industry.

Despite the criticism, others believe Burgum’s track record may not necessarily hinder the expansion of renewable energy efforts during Trump’s administration. Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity remarked that while Burgum has his flaws, he does not fundamentally oppose renewable energy initiatives.