Burgum Protests Federal Land Plan, Citing Security & Rising Costs

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum announced the state's formal protest against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) updated Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota, warning that it could jeopardize electrical grid reliability, national security, and increase energy costs for consumers.

The protest, submitted with input from over a dozen state agencies and elected officials, criticizes the finalized RMP for blocking leasing on more than 4 million acres—or nearly 99%—of federal coal acreage in the state. Additionally, the plan would restrict leasing on 213,100 acres (44%) of federally owned fluid mineral acreage, such as oil and gas reserves.

In a cover letter accompanying the protest, Gov. Burgum argued that the plan directly conflicts with North Dakota’s long-standing policies and laws on resource development. He emphasized that the state has been a responsible steward of its natural resources, and the RMP would obstruct access to critical and rare earth minerals that are vital to national interests.

“This overreaching plan from the Biden-Harris administration threatens our nation’s energy security and puts the long-term reliability and affordability of our power grid at risk by placing thousands of oil, gas, and coal acres off-limits to leasing," Burgum said. "It’s also a huge missed opportunity for the federal government, which could earn billions of dollars from these leases to reduce the burden on American taxpayers."

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Burgum called on the BLM to reconsider its approach, urging the agency to adopt a plan that promotes resource development, respects state rights, and aligns with federal law, science, and economic realities.

In addition to the protest, Gov. Burgum stated that he plans to use his authority as governor to formally challenge the RMP through a specialized appeal process available to state leaders.