Doug Burgum, the newly appointed Interior Secretary, wasted no time in implementing six strategic orders to reshape energy policy, aligning with President Trump’s objectives.
At a Glance
- Doug Burgum confirmed as Interior Secretary on January 30, issued six orders on February 3
- Orders align with Trump’s executive actions, focusing on domestic energy development
- Aims to expedite infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects
- Seeks to reduce living costs and promote energy dominance
- Rescinds Biden-era restrictions on offshore drilling and Alaska’s resource potential
Swift Action to Reshape Energy Policy
Doug Burgum, former North Dakota governor, hit the ground running as the new Interior Secretary. Confirmed on January 30, Burgum wasted no time in issuing six Department of the Interior (DOI) orders on February 3. These actions are designed to align DOI procedures with over 200 Executive Actions signed by President Donald Trump, with more than 50 specifically related to energy development.
The swift implementation of these orders underscores the administration’s commitment to reshaping energy policy. Burgum’s actions seek to intensify domestic energy development, undo regulatory impediments, and curb living expenses, effectively counteracting prior Biden policies.
Secretary’s Order 3417 takes aim at the national energy emergency by identifying legal authorities to facilitate domestic energy resource development. This order is crucial in the DOI’s efforts to expedite infrastructure, energy, environmental, and natural resources projects across the country.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter,” Burgum said.
Order 3418 aligns the DOI with Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” directive. This order terminates actions under revoked Biden executive orders and involves reviewing appropriations from recent legislative acts. It also includes a comprehensive review of mining regulations and encourages energy development on federal lands and waters.
Reducing Costs for American Families
In a move to address the economic concerns of everyday Americans, Secretary’s Order 3419 aims to reduce living costs for families. This order mandates a review of programs and regulations that increase costs, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to making life more affordable for citizens.
Order 3420 complies with Trump’s directive to revoke Biden’s restrictions on offshore drilling. Burgum succinctly stated, “[The] ban has been unbanned,” signaling a significant shift in offshore energy policy.
Supporting Trump’s deregulation agenda, Secretary’s Order 3421 implements the policy of eliminating 10 existing regulations for every new one introduced. This aggressive approach to deregulation aims to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in energy development.
Lastly, Order 3422 focuses on unleashing Alaska’s resource potential, rescinding Biden-era regulatory actions that had limited energy exploration and development in the region. This order aligns with the administration’s broader goal of achieving energy dominance and promoting economic development in resource-rich areas.
Burgum’s swift and comprehensive actions as Interior Secretary signal a dramatic shift in U.S. energy policy. By aligning the Department of the Interior with President Trump’s vision, these orders aim to re-establish the United States as a frontrunner in the global energy arena while providing economic benefits to American families.
As the administration moves forward with its energy agenda, the impacts of these policy changes will likely be felt across various sectors of the economy and in communities nationwide. The focus on domestic energy production, deregulation, and cost reduction for families underscores a commitment to energy independence and economic growth that will shape the nation’s energy landscape for years to come.
