06.17.21

Hoeven Votes to Confirm Tommy Beaudreau as Deputy Secretary of Interior

Senator Secured Commitment from Beaudreau to Visit North Dakota, Learn More about Energy Development on Federal Lands Firsthand

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement after voting to confirm Tommy Beaudreau as U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

“On federal lands, we continue to work to sustain multiple uses without heavy-handed regulations. Doing so supports investment in energy production and infrastructure development, among other priorities, and helps create good-paying jobs. I appreciate Deputy Secretary Beaudreau’s willingness to work with us on these issues, including his commitment to come to North Dakota and learn more about how the actions of the Interior Department directly affect the livelihoods of people in our state.”

During his confirmation hearing in April, Hoeven secured a commitment from Beaudreau to visit North Dakota, meet with local stakeholders and see the local energy development on federal lands firsthand. The senator stressed the state’s role both in ensuring good environmental stewardship and supporting the nation’s energy independence.

The invitation is part of Hoeven’s efforts to push back on the Biden administration’s moratorium for new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters, which was overturned this week by a U.S. District Court this week. In addition, Hoeven has:

  • Raised the issue with multiple Biden administration officials, including Interior Secretary Debra Haaland and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
  • Questioned Haaland regarding limitations placed on public participation in a recent virtual forum on the moratorium.
  • Helped introduce legislation to prohibit the administration from issuing moratoria on leasing and permitting for energy and mineral resources on federal lands.  

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