Lawmakers question Interior energy policy, proposed cuts at hearing

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the Trump administration’s energy approach during a House Appropriations hearing April 20, as Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about support for oil and gas over renewable energy, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Burgum said the administration aimed to ease regulations on fossil fuel production.

The hearing also focused on the administration’s proposed $16 billion Interior Department budget, which would keep funding near current levels following a nearly 12% reduction from fiscal year 2025, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Lawmakers raised concerns about a $757 million cut to National Park Service operations and a proposed $437 million, or roughly 32%, reduction to the Bureau of Indian Education. Members of both parties called for tribal consultation as oversight of some education programs shifts to Interior. Officials said 16 staff positions and associated funding would transfer from the Department of Education to the Bureau of Indian Education.