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

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum promised to maximize drilling on federal lands at his confirmation hearing for interior secretary Thursday, calling the incoming administration’s goal of “energy dominance” the surest way to guarantee America’s national security.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, seeking confirmation as the secretary of the interior.