During a recent event hosted by Breitbart News, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum discussed the Trump administration’s vision for achieving energy dominance in the United States. The conversation, titled “A Conversation with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum,” highlighted not just the familiar slogan “drill baby drill,” but also introduced three other key concepts: “mine baby mine,” “build baby build,” and “map baby map.”
Burgum explained that the phrase “drill baby drill” refers to the process of auctioning off federal lands for mineral development, particularly oil and gas. He pointed out that when private companies win these bids, they pay upfront to the Treasury, generating significant revenue. For instance, he noted that New Mexico brought in $900 million from lease sales during the last two weeks of Trump’s first term.
The Secretary also shared his experience as the governor of North Dakota, where he encountered legal challenges due to the Biden administration’s failure to hold required lease sales. He emphasized that every president since Harry Truman had conducted these sales, and he felt frustrated by the delays. Ultimately, a federal judge ruled in favor of North Dakota, stating that the government must hold the lease sales as mandated by law.
Burgum stressed that while drilling is important, it does not mean compromising on environmental protections. He highlighted that only a small portion of federal land is designated as national parks, suggesting that the U.S. can balance resource development with conservation efforts.
The Secretary then shifted to the concept of “map baby map.” He explained that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays a critical role in mapping the country’s resources, which can help identify where minerals and other resources are located. He cited a historical example from the UK, where detailed mapping contributed to its rise as a global power in the 19th century. Burgum argued that the U.S. should prioritize mapping to better understand and utilize its natural resources.
He also expressed concern about the decline of the mining industry in the U.S. over the past 30 years, noting that many essential minerals are now imported from countries like China. He pointed out that this reliance on foreign sources poses risks, especially for national security.
The discussion continued with “build baby build,” where Burgum called for increased investment in power generation infrastructure. He warned that the current energy mix is unbalanced, with a heavy reliance on intermittent energy sources that could jeopardize the stability of the power grid.
In summary, Burgum’s remarks painted a picture of a comprehensive approach to energy dominance that encompasses drilling, mining, building, and mapping. He urged for a renewed focus on these areas to ensure the U.S. can harness its resources effectively while maintaining environmental standards.