Op-Ed: Rep. Julie Fedorchak: Doug Burgum is the “Get It Done Guy” for U.S. energy dominance
"I have watched Governor Doug Burgum’s leadership help North Dakota thrive, and for the sake of the United States, I urge my new colleagues in the Senate to confirm him," Rep. Julie Fedorchak writes.
Under President Donald Trump, America was more than energy independent — we were energy dominant. America’s energy strength fueled a booming economy and was a critical tool for maintaining global stability and keeping adversaries at bay. It was something that folks from my home in North Dakota benefitted from and greatly respected. Sadly, we are nowhere close to the same situation under the current administration.
In North Dakota, much of our state’s vast natural resources are regulated by the Department of Interior (DOI). We have incredible farm and ranch lands, energy resources, National Parks, and a diverse set of species providing world class hunting, fishing, birding and other wildlife centered recreation. We are serious and intentional about both developing and preserving our resources, so we know a thing or two about the impact federal agencies can have on our state’s success.
This is why I know that to restore American energy dominance, strong leadership at the Department of the Interior is essential.
Under President Trump, the U.S. became a net exporter of natural gas in 2017, marking a major milestone for our energy independence. Unfortunately, today the world is at a crossroads in the conversation between renewable resources and fossil fuels. The result shows in the price that North Dakotans — and all Americans — pay at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and to power their homes.
On President Trump’s last day in office, the price of gasoline was $2.39 a gallon. During the Biden administration, average gas prices hit a record high of more than $5.00 a gallon. Today, the average cost for a gallon of gas is 27 percent higher. Americans are spending 28 percent more on energy bills — making it harder to heat their homes and keep the lights on.
America needs a leader who is pro-growth, pro-entrepreneurship, an excellent executor, and capable of cutting through the red tape that has obstructed progress the last four years. I have watched Governor Burgum’s leadership help North Dakota thrive, and for the sake of the United States, I urge my new colleagues in the Senate to confirm him so he can do the same for all Americans.
As a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, I worked with Governor Burgum to fight Biden administration regulations such as the EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions and Mercury and Air Toxins (MATS) rules that are crushing businesses and energy producers. Because of the work Governor Burgum did to make North Dakota a pro- energy state, our state is now one of the wealthiest in the nation. Under Governor Burgum’s leadership the state’s economy boomed: GDP grew by nearly 4 percent — one of the highest in the nation — and North Dakota experienced both the lowest unemployment rate and the highest labor force participation in America. This success stems from Burgum’s pro-energy and growth policies, and, most importantly, his ability to execute. He is a “get it done” guy.
Just as Governor Burgum propelled North Dakota to the forefront as a go-to energy destination, he will do the same for the United States at Interior. It’s time to abandon the one-sided energy strategy that stifles domestic production and forces America to rely on foreign adversaries for essentials like energy. If we want the world to be a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous place, we must responsibly tap into resources like ANWR and support, not shut down strategic infrastructure projects like the Keystone Pipeline. We must develop the resources that lie beneath our feet, uphold the strictest environmental standards in the world, and create jobs here at home.
As demand for energy reaches record-highs, America needs 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. This means giving room for renewables to grow while also unlocking the full potential of domestic energy production. Doing so will help reduce America’s debt, lower energy prices for hardworking families, reduce global emissions, and bolster national security.
The stakes have never been higher. America needs a leader who can get things done — someone who understands the energy sector’s complexities and can unite the country behind an all-of-the-above strategy. Governor Doug Burgum is that leader, and his leadership at Interior will usher in a new era of energy dominance for America.
Rep. Julie Fedorchak represents North Dakota in the House of Representatives.
