President-elect Donald Trump has nominated North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior, signaling a shift toward increased fossil fuel development. Trump announced the decision at Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing that Burgum’s leadership would drive “incredible” changes in energy and land management.

The Interior Department oversees 20% of U.S. land, including national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges, as well as federally owned mineral rights, which account for nearly a quarter of national energy production. It also manages relationships with 566 federally recognized Native American tribes.

Burgum, a strong advocate for oil and gas drilling, has overseen North Dakota’s private land energy boom in the Bakken oil fields. Before politics, he sold his software company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion. Elected governor in 2016, Burgum later supported Trump after a brief 2024 presidential run.

This nomination marks a departure from the conservation priorities of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who emphasized renewable energy and introduced a rule allowing public lands to be leased for conservation. Burgum is expected to focus on expanding fossil fuel production and reversing Biden-era policies.

The Interior Department has faced past ethics scandals under Trump’s appointees, raising concerns about oversight. Critics also warn that increased fossil fuel extraction could exacerbate climate challenges, as public land emissions account for 25% of U.S. carbon dioxide output.

Burgum’s appointment underscores Trump’s commitment to revitalizing traditional energy industries and reshaping federal land management priorities.