During a recent Senate hearing, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, questioned Doug Burgum, the nominee for the Department of the Interior under President-elect Trump's administration, about potential drilling activities in national monuments.
Sen. Hirono specifically inquired about the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and whether Burgum would support drilling in that area. In response, Burgum emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and the Constitution, stating that any decisions regarding energy production would be made in the best interest of the American people.
Sen. Hirono expressed concerns about the Trump administration's energy policies, referencing the 'drill, baby, drill' mantra and the President's energy dominance vision. She pressed Burgum on whether he would prioritize drilling over protecting natural resources.
While Burgum reiterated his dedication to following legal guidelines, Sen. Hirono's questioning underscored the ongoing debate surrounding energy development and conservation efforts in the United States.