Doug Burgum, the newly appointed Secretary of the Interior, has made significant moves in his first days in office, aligning his actions closely with President Trump’s agenda to enhance American energy dominance and economic development.
On his first day, Secretary Burgum signed six Secretary’s Orders aimed at streamlining processes to advance energy production and review various rules implemented by the Biden administration. These orders include directives to identify and utilize all emergency and legal authorities to facilitate the development, production, and distribution of domestic energy resources and critical minerals. The Department of the Interior is also tasked with expediting the completion of infrastructure, energy, environmental, and natural resources projects[2][5].
One of the key orders, titled "Unleashing American Energy," instructs the suspension, revision, or rescission of several Biden-Haaland actions. This includes a thorough review of the Rock Springs and Buffalo Resource Management Plans in Wyoming, the proposed Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Greater Sage-Grouse Plan, and the Conservation and Landscape Health regulation. The goal is to revise any actions that potentially burden the development of domestic energy resources[1].
Secretary Burgum has also directed a review of all appropriations from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure they align with President Trump’s energy dominance policies. Additionally, the Department will resume actions to expedite the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and gas exploration and production. Another order focuses on unleashing Alaska’s abundant natural resources, which are largely untapped[2].
These actions have been met with both support and criticism. The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) has expressed strong support for Secretary Burgum’s decisions, seeing them as crucial for strengthening American energy security, reinforcing national security, and enhancing the economy. NOIA President Erik Milito praised the moves for addressing regulatory barriers and aligning U.S. energy policy with current and future needs[2].
However, environmental groups have been vocal in their opposition. The Sierra Club’s Athan Manuel criticized the orders as part of a "reckless ‘drill, baby, drill’ agenda," arguing that these actions threaten public lands and waters that belong to all Americans. Other environmental advocates, such as Earthjustice, have warned that these policies could reduce biodiversity, harm landscapes, and undermine efforts to protect migratory birds and endangered species[2][4].
Secretary Burgum’s orders also target the protection of national monuments, which could be reopened for mining, oil, and gas development. This includes reviewing public lands withdrawn from such activities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. This move has sparked concerns among environmentalists and indigenous communities who value these areas for their cultural and ecological significance[4].
Overall, Secretary Burgum’s initial actions reflect a clear commitment to advancing fossil fuel development and energy production, while also sparking intense debate and potential legal challenges from environmental and conservation groups. The coming months will likely see significant developments as these policies are implemented and contested.
