Energy & Environment — Interior gives power to DOGE-linked official

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story  DOGE-linked official gets broad authority at Interior Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Thursday gave sweeping authority to an official with ties to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). © Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press In a secretarial order, Burgum granted Tyler Hassen, Interior's assistant secretary for policy, management and budget, the authority to take "all necessary actions" to carry out "consolidation, unification and optimization" at the department and its bureaus.    Hassen, who recently appeared in a Fox News interview in which he was identified as a DOGE official at Interior, will be able to issue "policy, directives and guidance" according to the memo.   He was also given the power to make "appropriate funding decisions" and oversee the "transfer of funds, programs, records, and property, as well as taking required personnel actions."   Interior Department spokesperson J. Elizabeth Peace said in an email that the department was "implementing necessary reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency and government accountability."   "We are collaborating closely with the Office of Personnel Management to embrace new opportunities for optimization and innovation," Peace added.   Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin  — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: A single gray wolf can cause up to $162,000 in losses for California cattle operations: Research The expansion of gray wolf populations is upending California cattle operations, leading to millions of dollars in losses for ranchers, a report published Monday has found.  Full Story Zeldin says he can 'absolutely' assure public EPA deregulation efforts won't harm environment Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin said he can "absolutely" assure the public that the various deregulation efforts undergone by the agency will not harm the environment.  Full Story Duffy threatens New York funding after congestion pricing deadline passes without changes Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is threatening to cut off approval and funding for construction projects in New York City if the state's congestion pricing program continues after the Trump administration's deadline for it to end passed Sunday.   Full Story The Hill Event  Energy & Environment Summit   Tuesday, May 6, 8:15 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT  — Washington, D.C., & streaming nationwide   Join us for The Hill's Energy & Environment Summit, where we'll gather leaders in government, sustainability and global energy solutions to discuss how rapidly changing policies will impact the future of U.S. energy and environmental policy.   Key speakers include: Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio)  Christine Todd Whitman, Former Administrator of the EPA Click here to RSVP What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: How Pope Francis Helped Inspire the Global Movement Against Climate Change (The New York Times)   State faults Richmond for water failures and demands corrective action (Virginia Mercury) On Tap  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: Tomorrow is Earth Day! What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Patience runs thin as Trump's battle with Supreme Court intensifies  Patience is running thin in the intensifying battle between the Supreme Court and President Trump, with the president's allies heightening their criticisms as the justices burn midnight oil.  Read more Trump World fires back as Hegseth back in hot seat Trump World is circling the wagons amid mounting criticism of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after new revelations that he shared sensitive military information with family members on a group chat.  Read more Opinions in The Hill  Op-eds related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill: Fusion must be a national priority for the future of US energy security  Happy Earth Day from Donald Trump  Trump 2.0 is unleashing American energy   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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