FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 30, 2025

MCV to Secretary Burgum: “Champion a legacy of conservation that safeguards our great outdoors for future generations”

(HELENA, Mont.) — The Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund  released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s confirmation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior:

“As Secretary Burgum takes the helm of the Department of the Interior, we remain cautiously optimistic that he will prioritize protecting public lands, conserving  and wildlife, and ensuring clean air and water for all.

We look forward to working with Secretary Burgum in his vital role overseeing America’s public lands, national parks, wildlife refuges, and natural resources. We urge him to champion a legacy of conservation that safeguards our great outdoors for future generations. At the same time, we will hold him accountable to the public trust, ensuring that his decisions put people and conservation above special interests.

Secretary Burgum has an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of Trump Administration predecessors and commit to a transparent, science-driven approach that values public input. While his deep ties to the fossil fuel industry raise concerns, we expect him to serve the American people – not corporate polluters.”