The cases shed light on how Burgum, who is President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the interior, might lead the department

WASHINGTON — Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has cleared a vital step in his bid to become Interior secretary.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (North Dakota Monitor) – During Doug Burgum’s two terms as North Dakota governor, the state repeatedly sued the U.S. Department of the Interior, attempting to rip up rules that govern federal lands in his state and across the country.

Former President Donald Trump has chosen North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to head the Interior Department. Some things to know about the two-term Republican governor of a sparsely populated state: Burgum, 68, grew up in tiny Arthur, North Dakota. Arthur's population is 328.

The former North Dakota governor told senators at his confirmation hearing that he saw limits on energy production as a national security threat.

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on nomination of Doug Burgum to be secretary of the interior.

Members of the committee had the opportunity to question Burgum on an array of different topics regarding energy, mineral resources and beyond.

Watch former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary under incoming President Trump.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's nomination to lead a presidential Cabinet agency was advanced by a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday.