The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to confirm former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of Interior. During his confirmation hearing, Burgum emphasized a commitment to advancing U.S. energy production in President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Senate voted 79 to 18 to confirm Mr. Burgum, a former governor of North Dakota, as the next interior secretary.

The Senate confirmed Doug Burgum as interior secretary late Thursday after President Donald Trump tapped the former North Dakota governor to spearhead the Republican administration's ambitions to boost fossil fuel production.