This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with the North Dakota Monitor. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published. During Doug Burgum’s two terms as North Dakota governor,

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

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.

President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team named outgoing North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the agency that manages the nation’s natural and cultural resources.

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.