(The Center Square) – North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s tenure spans the presidencies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. He said there has been a difference between how the two approach energy policy.
As governor, he has battled with the Biden administration over oil and gas leasing guidelines that he has said would hinder production and drive up consumer costs.
In his Wednesday night speech at the Republican National Convention, he told the crowd that is what has happened.
“Biden’s war on energy hurts every American because the cost of energy is in everything we use or touch everyday,” Burgum said. “Biden’s red tape raised the price of the gas in your car, the cost of food on your table, the clothes on your back and it’s even raised your rent.”
Burgam said that wouldn’t happen if Trump were elected for a second term. He referenced a quote from another former president, Teddy Roosevelt, who uttered the famous phrase, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
“Energy dominance will be the big stick that President Trump will carry,” Burgum said. “President Trump will make sure that Americans are selling energy to our allies versus buying it from our adversaries.”
Burgum’s speech mirrors comments he made last year after the Bureau of Land Management recommended an increase in the minimum bid amount for public land leases from $2 to $10 and a rise in bond amounts to $150,000 from $10,000.
“By raising costs for oil and gas producers who want to develop minerals on federal lands, BLM will drive away producers and drive up energy costs for consumers, who will be forced to pay higher prices for fuels imported from countries that don’t produce energy as cleanly as the United States,” Burgum said in a statement made in July 2023. “We should be selling energy to our friends and allies instead of buying it from our adversaries and putting our country’s economy, energy security and national security at risk.”
Burgum was reportedly on the shortlist for vice president. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio was announced Monday as Trump’s running mate.