Former North Dakota Governor and former software entrepreneur Doug Burgum was confirmed as the new Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI) Thursday afternoon. Burgum, who had a brief run for president in 2023 before dropping out and endorsing President Donald Trump, was confirmed with a bipartisan vote of 79-18. Burgum was on the reported short list for the Agriculture Secretary nomination.

Before entering politics, Burgum made his fortune by investing in Great Plains Software and eventually selling off the enterprise to Microsoft in 2001. His current estimated wealth exceeds $100 million, according to estimates from Forbes and Newsweek. Burgum was governor of his home state from 2016 to Dec. 2024.

The Department of the Interior manages federal land reserves and 11 government agencies, including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs, among others. Burgum will also lead the National Energy Council.

Renewable energy, conservation, cattle, and biofuels groups had mixed reactions to Burgum’s confirmation. Each of these sectors of the agriculture industry will be touched by decisions Burgum makes in his new role.

National Cattleman‘s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC)

The NCBA is the largest association of cattle producers in the U.S. and is invested in education and public policy for the betterment of the industry. The PLC represents and advocates for 22,000 cattle and sheep producers who operate with federal grazing permits in the West.

The organizations issued a joint congratulatory statement after Burgum’s confirmation.

“Secretary Burgum has a proven record of supporting rural communities and promoting a balanced approach to energy development and conservation,” said Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of PLC and NCBA Natural Resources. “His leadership will be critical for ensuring that ranchers and public lands grazing permittees are recognized as a valuable partner in stewarding Western landscapes and for removing regulatory burdens that have plagued management of grazing allotments for decades. We look forward to working with Secretary Burgum to protect the livelihoods of ranchers who rely on public lands, safeguard the health of these ecosystems, and promote policies that benefit rural communities and the entire nation.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA)

The IRFA represents Iowa’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth.

IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw said, “As governor, Doug Burgum was a great champion behind biofuels and petroleum. He understands how uniting both is the best way to achieve American energy dominance. Many IRFA members got to know the new Energy Czar when he campaigned in Iowa. He was incredibly knowledgeable and optimistic. Like president Trump, he supports nationwide, year-round E15 and a growing role for biofuels. IRFA congratulates Doug Burgum on his confirmation and our members are eager to work alongside Secretary Burgum to boost all of America’s energy options.”

American Petroleum Institute (API)

API was founded in 1919 and represents 600 producers, processors, or distributors of natural gas and oil of America’s natural gas and oil industry — which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs.

“As Governor of a top production state, Secretary Doug Burgum has long been a champion for American energy leadership,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “We look forward to working with him to implement a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing, starting with removing barriers to development on federal lands and waters and developing a new five-year offshore program.”

National Wildlife Federation (NWF)

The National Wildlife Federation is America’s “largest and most trusted conservation organization.”

Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the NWF said, “At his confirmation hearing, Secretary Burgum made clear that he understands the importance of a balanced and collaborative approach in responsibly managing public lands for multiple uses, including wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, and the Department’s obligations to uphold Tribal treaty rights and sovereignty.

“Now more than ever, our nation is depending on Secretary Burgum’s leadership for science-driven wildlife recovery and management, habitat restoration that supports community resilience, appropriately-sited low-emission energy, and reductions in pollution through common-sense carbon and methane management so that our lands and waters flourish for generations to come.”

NWF looks forward to working with Burgum collaboratively on “stewarding America’s lands and waters so wildlife can thrive, rural communities prosper, and all Americans can enjoy opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation.”

American Clean Power (ACP)

ACP describes itself as the “leading voice of today’s multi-tech clean energy industry, representing energy storage, wind, utility-scale solar, clean hydrogen, and transmission companies.”

After Burgum’s confirmation, ACP CEO Jason Grumet said, “We are eager to support the administration’s efforts to make American energy dominance a reality. This whole-of-government approach will be crucial to aligning agencies to advance an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy which is essential to achieving these goals.

We Look Forward to a Sustainable Energy Future with Secretary Burgum and the Interior Department

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, organizations across the country are coming together to ensure a secure, reliable, and sustainable energy future for all Americans. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Conservation Lands Foundation, and the Center for Western Priorities are just a few of the groups that are looking forward to working with Secretary Burgum and the Interior Department to achieve this goal.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are leading the charge in upland habitat conservation. With a network of over 500,000 members and 754 local chapters, these organizations are dedicated to preserving America’s natural resources for future generations.

“We are excited to work with Secretary Burgum to increase hunting access and habitat conservation on America’s public lands,” said Ariel Wiegard, PF & QF’s vice president of government affairs. “Managing the public’s shared natural resources requires a collaborative and balanced approach, which Burgum has demonstrated as Governor. PF & QF look forward to his leadership and advocacy for America’s upland habitats and the outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy them.”

Conservation Lands Foundation

The Conservation Lands Foundation is focused on protecting National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. They emphasize the importance of balancing energy production with the conservation of public lands.

Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, stated, “No one has to choose between energy production and protecting the public lands we all love and need. The U.S. is already a leading producer of oil and gas, and there is ample opportunity for energy development on public lands. Protecting these lands for recreation, hunting, and other activities is essential for local economies and the environment.”

Hill urged Secretary Burgum to work with Congress to secure resources for the Bureau of Land Management and maintain protections for public lands. He emphasized the economic benefits of outdoor recreation on BLM lands and the importance of responsible land management.

Center for Western Priorities (CWP)

The Center for Western Priorities advocates for responsible policies to protect land, water, and communities in the American West. They are calling on Secretary Burgum to prioritize funding for critical environmental initiatives.

Executive Director Jennifer Rokala emphasized the importance of funding from the Interior department for clean water, wildfire protection, and wildlife conservation. She urged Secretary Burgum to provide consistency and stability in managing public lands for the benefit of Western communities.

As these organizations join forces with Secretary Burgum and the Interior Department, they are committed to creating a sustainable energy future that benefits all Americans. By working together, they aim to strike a balance between energy development and conservation, ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious future for generations to come.