Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, alongside 25 other Republican governors, is urging the Senate to confirm Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota, as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.
And if you care about limited government and protecting state rights, this is a story worth your attention.
Here’s the scoop.
The Department of the Interior oversees a lot: our national parks, federal land, and relations with tribal nations.
For those of us in the West, that’s a big deal. The federal government controls huge swaths of land in states like Nevada, and how it manages those lands affects everything from our economy to our energy independence.
Governor Lombardo and his colleagues think Doug Burgum is the right guy for the job. Why? Because he gets it.
In their letter to the Senate, the group pointed to Burgum’s time as North Dakota’s governor, where he turned the state into a leader in energy production while cutting red tape.
The governors wrote:
“We have absolute confidence in Governor Burgum’s ability to solve complex problems, maximize responsible use of America’s natural resources, and promote innovation over regulation to achieve energy dominance.”
That’s music to conservative ears. Innovation over regulation? Sounds like what we’ve been talking about for years.
Burgum’s approach respects state sovereignty and local control, which is a refreshing change from the heavy-handed federal policies we’ve seen in recent years.
Why It Matters
The Department of the Interior touches many aspects of our daily lives, even if we don’t always notice it.
For ranchers and farmers, federal land policies can mean the difference between staying in business or going under. For families, it’s about access to parks and recreation without overbearing fees or rules.
For those of us who care about energy independence, the Interior’s decisions on drilling and mining are critical.
Governor Lombardo’s support shows he understands how important this role is for Nevada. Remember, Nevada is over 80% federally controlled land.
Last year, Governor Lombardo wrote President Joe Biden asking him to release federally-held lands to help alleviate a housing crisis in the Las Vegas valley. Decisions made by the Department of the Interior directly affect our state’s ability to develop residential projects, grow its economy, and provide opportunities for its citizens.
Burgum, with his small-town roots and proven track record, promises a pragmatic approach.
Balancing Stakeholders
The stakes for this confirmation are high, not just for Nevada but for the entire country. With a Department of the Interior led by someone like Burgum, there’s potential for a return to policies that emphasize collaboration rather than control.
His leadership could pave the way for a balanced approach where natural resource development and environmental stewardship coexist. It’s a chance to prove that innovation and conservation can go hand in hand, offering a blueprint for other states and federal agencies to follow.
What’s Next
The ball is now in the Senate’s court. Burgum’s confirmation process will involve hearings and votes.
If he’s confirmed, conservatives hope he’ll bring a much-needed shift to Interior’s policies—away from federal overreach and toward empowering states and local communities.
Everyday conservatives can play a role too. Tackling the housing shortage is a bipartisan issue; consider reaching out to Nevada’s senators. A quick phone call or email can make a difference.
Remind them of what Nevadans have at stake in Bergum’s confirmation.
A Conservative Opportunity
Governor Lombardo and his colleagues are making a clear statement: it’s time for leadership at the Department of the Interior that prioritizes practical solutions over bureaucracy. Doug Burgum’s record shows he’s ready for the challenge.
For those of us who care about preserving liberty, supporting economic growth, and respecting state rights, this confirmation could be a step in the right direction.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
