HECHO’s Statement on the Confirmation of Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior

Since 2013, HECHO has worked with the Department of Interior under different administrations to promote responsible stewardship of our public lands, which hold cultural, historical, and ecological significance for generations of Hispanics in the United States. These lands serve as the foundation for outdoor activities, cultural traditions, and practices vital to our livelihoods and community, including hunting, camping, hiking, grazing, and wood gathering. 

With the Senate's confirmation of President Donald Trump's nomination of Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) expects to continue our collaboration with the Department of the Interior (DOI) to ensure the effective management of our nation’s public lands and resources.  

"This land was put away for the benefit, the use, and the enjoyment of the American people," Governor Burgum emphasized during his confirmation hearing. At HECHO, we believe that access to these lands must be preserved for current and future generations. Governor Burgum’s affirmation that outdoor recreation is not just a right, but a vital part of American life, is encouraging.   

During his testimony, Governor Burgum made it clear that he understands the critical importance of balancing conservation efforts with the needs of local communities and industries. Many Hispanics in the Southwestern region rely on these lands for their livelihoods, and the health of these lands directly affects their well-being. HECHO expects Secretary Burgum to stay committed to cooperation and relationship-building with local communities. This engagement should ensure that local stakeholders' concerns are heard and that our perspectives are included in land and water management policies.  

For too long, our natural resources have been exploited by foreign and special interests, burdening American taxpayers with restoration and cleanup costs. HECHO stands firmly in support of a vision for public lands that puts the needs of Americans first. President Trump's "America First" approach should extend to the management of public lands, ensuring that land use decisions prioritize sustainable use, local industries and economy, and local communities. 

HECHO advocates for responsible management of public lands and resources. While we recognize the importance of forest management, energy development, and the extraction of natural resources—both oil and gas, and critical minerals for clean energy—the methods and the "where" of these operations make a difference. Some public lands are too valuable to risk. 

Secretary Burgum’s commitment to renewable energy and carbon capture in North Dakota, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2030 shows his willingness to innovative solutions for reducing environmental impacts. HECHO supports the development of such forward-thinking policies. 

Public lands belong to all Americans. Access to outdoor recreation on federal public lands is important to the Hispanic community. Secretary Burgum’s track record of promoting outdoor recreation during his time as Governor of North Dakota—including the creation of the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation—gives us hope that he will continue to prioritize this vital aspect of land management at the national level.  

While we may not always agree on every issue, HECHO is committed to working collaboratively with Secretary Burgum and the Department of the Interior. We believe that through science-based, community-focused solutions, we can build a resilient future for our public lands that reflects the diverse values and needs of all Americans.