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BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota’s petroleum association turned to Governor Doug Burgum when it sought to honor leading fracking executives at a banquet last year, co-hosted at the governor’s mansion. The two-term Republican, who has now been confirmed as President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Interior Department, has consistently supported the energy sector, even as he personally profited from leasing family land to oil companies. Correspondence between energy lobbyists and Burgum’s office reveals a strong push for the state’s legal involvement in countering greenhouse gas regulations set by the Biden administration, with one lobbyist advocating for a coordinated effort from both the industry and government.
This relationship is particularly significant given Burgum’s role leading a major oil-producing state. His administration’s willingness to assist the oil and gas industry raises ethical questions, especially as he builds a national profile within the Republican Party. As the new Interior Department Secretary, Burgum will oversee federal lands and the issuance of oil and gas leases, acting under a directive from Trump who seeks to increase resource extraction despite the U.S. already reaching high levels of fossil fuel production.
Concerns among Democrats and environmental groups have arisen regarding Burgum’s enthusiasm for expanding drilling. During his recent confirmation hearing, Senator Mazie Hirono pressed him on whether his focus would be on protecting environmental resources or solely on promoting drilling activity. Burgum’s nomination appears to mark a notable shift from President Biden’s focus on combating climate change, aligning instead with Trump’s agenda to encourage significant contributions from oil and gas executives in exchange for dismantling progressive environmental policies.
In response to increased scrutiny and government ethics regulations, Burgum has committed to divest his interests in leases with Continental Resources and Hess, companies from which he has previously garnered significant income. His financial disclosures indicate potential holdings valued at up to $200,000 in various energy firms, which he interacted with in his role as governor.
A highlight of Burgum’s connections to the oil industry is his friendship with Harold Hamm, the founder of Continental Resources, credited with catalyzing North Dakota’s fracking boom. Hamm, who is a key advisor to Trump on energy policies, has reportedly assisted Burgum’s political aspirations. Burgum has publicly praised Hamm, comparing him to historic figures for his work in transforming North Dakota, even after Hamm made a substantial donation linked to a local library project.
Further records showcase Hamm’s patronage towards Burgum, including a set of cuff links sent as a token of gratitude. Throughout the 2023 presidential race, Hamm’s company also financially backed Burgum’s campaign, illustrating a deep-seated and financially intertwined relationship.
Burgum’s approach has often echoed Hamm’s views, notably when Burgum displayed skepticism towards renewable energy sources during his confirmation hearing, despite a prior commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral North Dakota by 2030. His disregard for wind power reflects a larger trend in his administration that often prioritizes fossil fuel interests, confirmed through multiple favorable decisions regarding Continental Resources during his leadership of the Industrial Commission.
Additionally, Burgum supports projects like a proposed pipeline that could benefit from Hamm’s investment, further showing the intertwining of their interests. This project aims to mitigate CO2 emissions from ethanol production by sequestering the gas underground, although it faces pushback from landowners concerned about land seizures.
Critics within the state, like former Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel, express concerns that Burgum seems to function more as an industry advocate than as a regulatory overseer, promoting fossil fuel production rather than regulating it.
Moreover, Burgum has maintained connections with various oil executives beyond Hamm, with recorded meetings and communications indicating a network of relationships that includes leaders from major firms like Occidental Petroleum and Hess, emphasizing his proactive engagement with the industry.
Despite an invitation to a significant event hosted by Hamm on Inauguration Day, Burgum declined to participate, perhaps indicating awareness of the delicate balance he must maintain in his new role overseeing the Interior Department. Nevertheless, the oil and gas executives have established clear channels to reach him, demonstrating the enduring relationship he shares with the industry.
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