BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong and the state’s congressional delegation say former Gov. Doug Burgum’s confirmation as secretary of the Interior is good for North Dakota and the nation, according to the governor’s office and congressional delegation’s offices.

Burgum is the first native North Dakotan to lead a U.S. Cabinet agency since former Gov. Ed Schafer led the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2008-2009 and the second North Dakotan to serve as Interior Secretary. Kintyre native Tom Kleppe served as Interior secretary in 1975.

“The strong support Governor Burgum received throughout the confirmation process speaks volumes about his unique qualifications to serve as Secretary of the Interior,” Armstrong said in the release. “His background in energy, tribal relations, national parks and other public lands makes him the right person at the right time to lead the Department of the Interior, which touches every aspect of our lives in North Dakota. Doug understands that safe, responsible development of our nation’s abundant natural resources is key to curbing inflation, growing the economy and paying down our national debt for future generations. He will be an incredible asset to the Trump administration and, as chair of the National Energy Council, will help usher in a new era of U.S. energy dominance that benefits all Americans with reliable, affordable power.”

President Trump appointed Burgum to chair the newly created National Energy Council. As chairman, Burgum will have a seat on the National Security Council.

“With the right kind of policies and a focus on innovation, our nation can be energy dominant, supporting a more secure nation, a stronger economy and more affordable living for the American people,” said Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, in a release. “Doug Burgum clearly understands the potential of our abundant, taxpayer-owned energy resources and will treat them as the strategic asset they are, including our oil, gas and coal reserves. Coupled with his strong relationship with Native American tribes and his support for maintaining access to public lands for multiple use, he is the right person for the job.”

“Doug Burgum is tailor-made for the Secretary of the Interior,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, in a release. “North Dakota embodies Teddy Roosevelt’s multiple use doctrine for public lands, balancing energy development, ranching, conservation and recreation on some of the most beautiful, productive landscapes in the nation. Doug’s leadership in North Dakota and coordination with our tribes are models for our nation. He has a lot of work to do righting the ship, but his consensus-driven leadership style is up to the task.”

“Doug Burgum is not only a trusted friend, but he is also a proven leader with the vision, innovation, and dedication needed to restore American energy dominance,” said Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, R-ND, in a release. “Doug doesn’t just talk about solutions–he delivers them. His track record in North Dakota shows he’s the right leader at the right time for this critical role.

“As demand for energy reaches record-highs, we need a level-headed, experienced businessman at the helm — someone who can partner with President Trump to invest in an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Doing so will help reduce America’s debt, lower energy prices for hardworking families, reduce global emissions, and bolster national security. Doug Burgum is that leader, and his leadership at Interior will usher in a new era of energy dominance for America,” she said.