During his confirmation hearing, Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum assured Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono that he would prioritize following the law and the Constitution if confirmed to the post. Hirono questioned Burgum on whether he would stand up to potential demands from President-elect Donald Trump that could conflict with the department's mission to protect and manage the nation's natural resources and cultural heritage.
When asked about potentially being ordered by the president to act against the department's mission, such as drilling in Bears Ears national monument, Burgum emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and the Constitution. He stated, 'As part of my sworn duty, I'll follow the law and follow the Constitution, and so you can count on that.'
Despite acknowledging President Trump's energy production goals, Burgum reiterated his dedication to adhering to legal and constitutional principles. Hirono expressed concerns about the administration's energy dominance vision and the potential impact on natural resources, prompting Burgum to affirm his commitment to making decisions in line with legal requirements.
Throughout the exchange, Burgum maintained a stance of prioritizing the protection of natural resources while acknowledging the administration's energy priorities. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing energy production goals with environmental conservation efforts within the Department of the Interior.
