Zeldin’s tenure in Congress — and his subsequent role in the America First Policy Institute — demonstrates his understanding of the “American Energy Dominance” Trump mandate. Zeldin’s legal background will be invaluable in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of environmental policy, ensuring decisions are both legally sound and in line with economic growth objectives. His advocacy for economic growth aligns with the ethos of fostering business while ensuring environmental protection. His past efforts to balance these aspects, like supporting coastal resilience in his district, indicate a nuanced approach to environmental regulation that doesn’t stifle economic activities.
Zeldin’s commitment to deregulatory measures aimed at boosting American businesses can invigorate sectors like manufacturing and fossil fuels. Zeldin’s campaign rhetoric during his gubernatorial run in New York actually emphasized economic revitalization through energy policy. His understanding that environmental stewardship can coexist with economic prosperity makes him an ideal candidate to lead the EPA towards policies that support business while protecting our natural resources — without haplessly serving a broken, radical green agenda. Zeldin’s no-nonsense military background signals that his appointment could bridge the gap between environmental advocacy and practical policy-making.
As a governor from a state with significant oil production, Burgum too brings firsthand experience in managing energy resources while fostering economic development. North Dakota’s growth under his governance showcases a model where energy policy can drive state prosperity. Burgum brings firsthand experience from a state heavily invested in energy production. His governance has shown a balanced approach between development and conservation, which is vital for managing federal lands.
No stranger to managing investments and technology portfolios, Burgum’s advocacy for carbon capture and storage technology indicates a forward-thinking approach to fossil fuels. This experience is crucial as we look to modernize our energy infrastructure while continuing to leverage our natural resources. Burgum’s background positions him uniquely to mediate between conservation needs and the development of America’s natural resources, ensuring that both environmental integrity and economic interests are addressed — promoting policies that ensure America’s energy independence and economic advantage.
In addition to his new role at DOI, Burgum is now also in charge of the new National Energy Council which will consist of “all Departments and Agencies involved in the permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, transportation, of ALL forms of American Energy.” This new energy dream team and council will also include Liberty Energy’s founder and CEO Chris Wright, who is one of the pioneers credited with sparking the “American Shale Revolution.” Wright’s appointment will also no doubt round off the American energy dominance efforts as he brings great expertise and vision from his current private sector endeavors in this industry.
Both Zeldin and Burgum, accompanied by luminaries like Wright and new Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah), should and likely will advocate for a balanced approach where fossil fuels continue to play a pivotal role in our society’s growth and prosperity. The reality is, fossil fuels are not just about immediate energy needs but are crucial for the stability of our economy, especially during the transition to more sustainable energy sources. Renewable energy, while growing, cannot yet fully replace the reliable, scalable, readily deployable energy output of fossil fuels.
Support for research and implementation of technologies like hydrogen generation and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) should be prioritized. These technologies can extend the life of fossil fuel usage while mitigating environmental impact, aligning with the principles of both economic growth and environmental responsibility. The focus should be on simplifying the regulatory process to facilitate domestic oil and gas production, and promote innovation therein. This includes expediting permits for drilling on federal lands and waters, ensuring that regulations do not stifle technology development or investment in the sector.
While supporting energy production, Zeldin at the EPA must ensure that the environmental standards for air and water quality are not only met but enhanced, using modern technology to achieve this without economic detriment. Promoting solutions that can both reduce and make use of “waste” to harness the full potential of our resources — including critical materials that can be generated here instead of having us be beholden to geopolitical rivals — will also bring both stability and security to our communities and markets.
Burgum should focus on policies that allow for multiple uses of public lands, ensuring that energy development can occur alongside conservation efforts. This includes promoting the use of land for renewable projects where feasible but not at the expense of existing energy operations.
By fostering an environment where domestic production is encouraged, we can decrease our reliance on foreign hydrocarbons, enhance national security and protect against international energy market volatility. Encouraging partnerships between government, industry, and academia to innovate within the energy sector will ensure that America leads in both traditional and emerging energy technologies, ultimately fostering a solutions and results-driven mindset for generations to come.
The appointments of Lee Zeldin and Doug Burgum, along with other industry trailblazers and supporters like Chris Wright and Mike Lee, present an opportunity to recalibrate American energy policy towards solutions that don’t cripple growth or break the bank on fruitless efforts.
Their focus should be on leveraging America’s abundant natural resources with a vision for innovation and sustainability. This strategy not only supports our economic backbone but also positions us as leaders in the global energy arena, ensuring that our environmental goals are achieved without compromising our energy needs or economic vitality.
Lee Zeldin and Doug Burgum’s roles are pivotal in scripting America’s next chapter in energy policy. Their leadership should reflect a pragmatic approach where economic prosperity and environmental care are not at odds but are integrated into a coherent strategy for a new era in national advancement, security and dominance.
Doug Quezada is a multifaceted Latino entrepreneur with a background in political science and legal studies from Brigham Young University, having a strong business inclination towards integrating proven elements into modern applications. Quezada has developed and been awarded several patents. Quezada has worked in various sectors including hard science tech, international mining and energy. His career reflects his passion in innovation and interest in startup culture, with an emphasis on projects with cultural significance and community impact.