Doug Burgum, North Dakota’s Republican governor, has transitioned from promoting environmentally friendly policies to supporting the oil and gas industry as he aids Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Doug Burgum initially aimed for North Dakota to become carbon neutral by 2030, focusing on economic prosperity and energy independence.
- Despite promoting carbon neutrality, Burgum supports the fossil fuel industry, aligning with Trump's pro-oil agenda.
- Burgum’s advocacy includes organizing fundraisers for Trump and endorsing carbon capture projects tied to significant financial interests.
Key quote:
“I don’t think it’s so much that he changed his views as he’s an opportunist.”
— Scott Skokos, the executive director of the Dakota Resource Council
Why this matters:
The shift in Burgum's stance reflects the political influence of the fossil fuel industry and raises concerns about the sincerity of environmental commitments. Supporters argue that Burgum's stance is a necessary adaptation to safeguard jobs and the state's fiscal health. Critics, however, express concern that this pivot undermines the progress made towards sustainable energy and could have long-term environmental repercussions.
