The Trump administration is targeting Biden-era environmental rules by removing coercive climate policies and oil lease bans in the energy sector. They are also launching internal investigations into agency actions that hinder energy development.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who took office recently, issued six new orders to align with Trump’s agenda for the next four years.
These orders include examining ways to eliminate harmful climate policies, lifting oil and gas lease bans, and reviewing the Inflation Reduction Act that funded green energy projects under the previous administration.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Department of the Interior,” stated Burgum. “We are committed to unlocking America’s energy potential while showcasing natural resources and innovation.”
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Then-North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Al Drago)
In a press release issued on Monday, Burgum announced the department’s first initiatives.
The DOI pledged to expedite the completion of authorized infrastructure and environmental projects to address the National Energy Emergency declared by Trump on Inauguration Day.
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The department will review all appropriations from the IRA bill, following Biden’s efforts to fund green energy projects in the final months of his presidency.
President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Evan Vucci)
The DOI stated that for each new regulation, they will eliminate at least 10 existing ones as part of the deregulation agenda.
Burgum also emphasized immediate compliance with Trump’s reversal of Biden’s oil and gas lease ban and ordered a review of all agency actions that hinder domestic energy development.
On Monday, the DOI withdrew a June 2021 order by the Biden administration that halted oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, an area coveted by previous Trump administrations for its oil and gas potential.
Former President Joe Biden implemented several environmental regulations during his term. (Kevin Dietsch)
“Together, we will ensure that our policies reflect the needs of our communities, respect tribal sovereignty, and drive innovation in energy and environmental leadership,” Burgum stated.
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Climate activist groups have expressed opposition to Burgum’s nomination, citing concerns about expanding fossil fuels and undermining environmental protections.
“From opening more public lands for extraction to attacking countless protections of lands, water, and wildlife, it’s clear that President Trump is committed to expanding fossil fuels and catering to industry at the expense of our climate, public lands and waters, and wildlife,” Earthjustice, an environmental law group, wrote.
