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Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum confirmed as Interior secretary • Florida Phoenix
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum confirmed as Interior secretary
by Amy Dalrymple, Florida Phoenix
January 31, 2025
The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to confirm former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of Interior.
During his confirmation hearing, Burgum emphasized a commitment to advancing U.S. energy production in President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Senate confirmed Burgum on a bipartisan vote of 79-18, with support from North Dakota Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, who championed his appointment.
“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,” Hoeven said in a statement.
Cramer said Burgum is “tailor-made” for the position, highlighting his “consensus-driven leadership style.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said Thursday he’s pleased Burgum is committed to restoring a multiple-use approach to managing public lands.
“People in places like my state and Gov. Burgum’s, where the land is part of our way of life, know that the farmer, the rancher, the forester, and other landowners are some of the best conservationists,” Thune said.
The Department of the Interior manages federal natural and cultural resources with about 70,000 employees and an $18 billion budget.
The department includes 11 agencies: the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation & Enforcement, and the bureaus of Indian Affairs, Indian Education, Land Management, Ocean Energy Management, Reclamation, Safety & Environmental Enforcement, and Trust Funds Administration.
“Serving as Interior Secretary is an opportunity to redefine and improve upon the federal government’s relationship with tribal nations, landowners, mineral developers, outdoor enthusiasts and others, with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people,” Burgum said in a November statement after Trump announced his nomination.
Burgum, a wealthy businessman, was elected North Dakota governor in 2016 and served through mid-December. He was succeeded by former U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican who dropped a reelection campaign for Congress after Burgum announced he didn’t plan to seek a third term.
Burgum, a Republican, was a frequent critic of Biden administration policies that threatened domestic oil and gas production and the coal industry. During his two terms as governor, North Dakota sued the Department of Interior and other federal agencies over regulations that affect energy and agriculture.
This story first appeared in the North Dakota Monitor, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.
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Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Orlando Dreamers secure $1.5 billion in funding
SUMMARY: The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in funding to pursue a Major League Baseball team, marking a significant step for the initiative. Co-founder Jim Schnorf announced that investors have provided preliminary commitments, signaling serious intent to bring baseball to Central Florida. This funding is separate from the $1 billion earmarked for a proposed stadium near SeaWorld. As the Tampa Bay Rays struggle with their current stadium situation, Dreamers are watching closely, confident that Orlando is a prime location for an MLB franchise, whether through relocation or expansion.

The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in investor commitments to bring a Major League Baseball team to Central Florida.
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News from the South - Florida News Feed
Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session
SUMMARY: As Florida’s legislative session nears its end, lawmakers are at an impasse over a tax cut package, with only seven days remaining. The main issue revolves around budget negotiations, specifically the details and extent of tax cuts. Both Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez acknowledge philosophical differences in their approaches. The House proposed a cut to the sales tax while concerns arose about reallocating tourism funds. Governor Ron DeSantis favors property tax reductions. Despite tensions, leaders are hopeful for an agreement before the new budget deadline of July 1.
The post Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Florida woman accused of setting fires during burn ban
SUMMARY: A Florida woman, Amanda Clark, was arrested for allegedly starting multiple fires during a burn ban. While the Forest Service was working to contain an existing fire near Oberry Hoover Drive, a worker witnessed Clark igniting new flames and instructed her to stop, but she continued. A nearby resident called 911 after seeing heavy smoke. Concerns grew in Palm Bay as additional fires emerged, prompting police to monitor the area. Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb noted that multiple smoke columns appeared too dispersed to be linked. Palm Bay has since implemented a burn ban and plans to enforce it.

A woman was arrested Wednesday in Orange County for allegedly setting multiple fires during an active burn ban, according to deputies. Forestry officials say they witnessed Amanda Clark starting fires near a residence and recorded video evidence before she was taken into custody. She was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of unlawful land burning, with bond set at $2,500. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
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