Trump taps Doug Burgum for Interior secretary

North Dakota governor to lead agency responsible for managing public lands and resources

Move seen as a nod to Western energy interests

President Donald Trump has nominated North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to be the next secretary of the Interior, a move seen as a nod to Western energy interests.

Burgum, a Republican and former software executive, has been a vocal supporter of the oil and gas industry and has opposed efforts to expand environmental protections on public lands.

If confirmed by the Senate, Burgum would lead the agency responsible for managing more than 500 million acres of public lands, including national parks, wildlife refuges and Indian reservations.

The Interior Department also oversees the development of offshore oil and gas resources and the regulation of mining and grazing on public lands.

Burgum's nomination has been praised by industry groups and criticized by environmentalists.

The American Petroleum Institute, the nation's largest oil and gas trade association, said Burgum "has a deep understanding of the energy industry and the importance of responsible development."

The League of Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group, said Burgum's "record on environmental issues is deeply troubling."

Burgum's nomination is not expected to face any major hurdles in the Senate.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Burgum's nomination on January 17.