Senate confirms Doug Burgum to head Interior Department

The Senate on Thursday evening confirmed President Trump’s primary rival-turned-ally Doug Burgum to serve as interior secretary.

Mr. Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, earned broad bipartisan support, winning a 79-18 vote.

“Governor Burgum’s confirmation today is a win for our public lands and a win for American energy,” said Sen. Mike Lee, Utah Republican and Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman. “He has spent his career bringing people together to solve problems and earned the trust of tribes, businesses, conservationists, and working families alike.”

Republicans said Mr. Burgum will help Mr. Trump cut regulations and streamline the permitting process to unleash American energy.

Democrats who supported Mr. Burgum said they didn’t agree with him on every issue but found him qualified.

Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources panel, said he supported the nominee because he believes having a “healthy relationship” with the Interior secretary is critical to securing the best outcomes for his home state.

“As Ranking Member, I am focused on holding the incoming Interior Secretary accountable to keep public lands in public hands, address climate change, bolster outdoor recreation, and protect tribal sovereignty,” he said. “The Department of Interior also plays a critical role in managing New Mexico’s water resources and Governor Burgum committed to working with local communities and stakeholders in doing that work.”