BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Former Governor Doug Burgum's confirmation hearing as Secretary of the Interior is set for January 14. According to Senator John Hoeven's office, the hearing will start at 10:00 a.m. EST, 9:00 a.m. CST, before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Hoeven is a member of the committee, and is working to advance Burgum’s nomination through the committee and the full Senate. FILE. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. President-elect Donald Trump named Burgum to his cabinet as his interior secretary on November 14, 2024, saying, "He's going to head the Department of Interior and he's going to be fantastic." The Interior secretary oversees roughly 70,000 federal employees who manage the country’s natural resources and federal lands, including national parks and monuments. The department also has control over energy development both on public lands and offshore. Trump also named Burgum as chairman of the newly formed National Energy Council. And with that role, Burgum will also have a seat on the National Security Council. The new National Energy Council will consist of all departments and agencies involved in the permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation and transportation of all forms of American energy. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW