Trump Taps Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior
The governor of North Dakota has received blowback for his support of a carbon pipeline project backed by the Biden administration despite concerns about consumer safety and landowner rights.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is Trump’s pick to lead the Department of the Interior.
A billionaire businessman, Burgum is one of the wealthiest politicians in the country. Burgum is an avid bowhunter and sportsman who created an Office for Outdoor Recreation in North Dakota as governor. Many Trump voters are likely to appreciate his support for oil and gas production, energy independence, and conservation.
However, North Dakotans have criticized Burgum for his plans to make the state carbon neutral by 2030, and his alliance with a carbon pipeline project that critics say threatens landowner rights and safety.
"Although he professes to be a conservative, he is anything but when it comes to environmental issues," North Dakota rancher Gaylen Dewing told Spectrum News.
Controversy Over Carbon Pipeline Deal
Backed by the Biden Administration, the 2,500-mile carbon pipeline would transport CO2 from ethanol plants across the Midwest to a burial ground in west central North Dakota, where up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 will be stored every year, a mile below the surface in subterranean rock formations.
Burgum supports the pipeline, calling his state a “geologic jackpot” for underground carbon storage capable of sequestering up to 250 billion tons of CO2.
Companies may receive $85 from the federal government for every metric ton of CO2 sequestered. Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the pipeline, stands to make $1.5 billion annually in tax credits.
Landowners say Summit has used unethical strategies to force them into signing easement deals. Some say the company has resorted to scare tactics and worse.
Putting Burgum over the Department of the Interior, where he will have the power to implement policy impacting federal land across the country, will be an unwelcome proposition for critics of the pipeline.
Landowner Rights, Consumer Safety at Stake
Many are concerned about a pipeline rupture releasing lethal gas. In 2020, a leak in a pipeline transporting compressed CO2 near Sataria, Mississippi led to 200 evacuations and 45 hospitalizations. With reports the pipeline will be buried just four feet deep, commissioners in Burleigh County approved an ordinance keeping the pipeline away from churches, schools, and residential areas.
Others say the pipeline will bring down their property values. Summit has secured most of the easements it needs to build the pipeline.
"I have not gotten one single contact from anybody that's not affiliated with Summit asking me to support this pipeline," Brian Bitner, the Burleigh County Commission chairman, told Spectrum News. "Every contact has asked me to oppose it."
Grassroots Opposition from Ranchers
In neighboring South Dakota, the pipeline controversy led to a grassroots fight between state lawmakers and property rights advocates. Governor Kristi Noem signed a bill critics say was deceptively titled the “Landowner Bill of Rights,” a trojan horse touting protections already in existence with its real purpose buried in fine print: the ability to overturn county ordinances regulating pipelines and consolidate power with the state Public Utilities Commission. After gathering enough signatures, voters were able to override Noem’s signature and force a vote on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, North Dakotans rejected RL 21—a victory for property rights and local control of pipeline regulations.
For anyone skeptical of the narrative around carbon sequestration and climate change, unlike a public works project such as a road or power lines for which eminent domain is typically employed, these carbon pipelines serve to benefit no one but the massive corporations receiving government checks. Forcibly removing landowner rights and endangering citizens for this pipeline, opponents say, is beyond the pale.
Burgum has avoided support for eminent domain, saying the pipeline route can be redirected for anyone who does not want to receive the “big check.”
Trump’s Off-the-Cuff Announcement at Mar-a-Lago
The president-elect announced Burgum’s appointment tonight while speaking about energy prices at Mar-a-Lago, breaking from his pattern of sharing cabinet picks through his Truth Social account.
"He’s from North Dakota. He’s going to be announced tomorrow for a very big position," Trump said, pointing to Burgum in the audience. “He is going to head the Department of Interior, and he's going to be fantastic."
Burgum gained national attention when he ran for the GOP presidential nomination this election cycle before dropping out and endorsing President Trump. He has since become a vocal supporter of the President-elect, with rumors his name was on the shortlist for VP. Throughout Trump’s candidacy, Burgum has consistently vocalized his support for oil and gas production and energy independence, positions in line with Trump’s.
Looking Forward to Land Management Post-Biden
Burgum had already announced he would not be seeking a third term as North Dakota’s governor, endorsing Lieutenant Governor Tammi Miller as his replacement.
The Department of the Interior oversees 11 agencies:
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Indian Education
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Bureau of Trust Funds Administration
National Park Service
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey
Voters no doubt hope Burgum will bring common sense, pro-energy policy back to the Department of the Interior after four years under Biden’s choice, Deb Haaland.