The Senate on Thursday evening confirmed the nomination of Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department with broad bipartisan support.
Lawmakers voted 79-18 for the former North Dakota governor, including 26 Democrats joining every Republican. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee vote was similarly bipartisan.
Democrats have generally condemned the president’s push for more fossil fuel production while targeting renewable energy, particularly wind. But that didn’t deter many from supporting Burgum.
During his confirmation hearing, Burgum said, “The American people have clearly placed their confidence in President Trump to achieve energy dominance, and by energy dominance, that’s the foundation of American prosperity.”
After confirming Burgum, the Senate moved to a procedural vote on Chris Wright for Energy secretary. That roll call was 62-35. A final vote is likely early next week.