In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI.
But what’s really happening?
We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the Department of the Interior, and his priorities for public lands.
We also analyze REI’s role in the conversation, the industry’s response, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.
Finally, we discuss REI’s official statement on the issue and share actionable ways to support public lands.
Episode Resources:
Read the ORR letter: https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ORR-Burgum-Nomination-Letter-of-Support-Final.pdf
REI's Recent Statement: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/we-will-never-stop-defending-our-public-lands
Voice Your Opposition to Burgum's Actions through the REI Cooperative Action Network: https://www.rei.com/action/network/campaign/protect-public-lands
Burgum's First Day Orders: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energy
Related Episodes
- Episode 163. Fighting for Outdoor Policy and Protection in 2025 with Adam Cramer
- Episode 164. Is an Outdoor Recreation Economy How We Stop Off-Shore Drilling? with Chad Nelsen
Sources
ProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-interior-department-trump
Alaska Wild: https://alaskawild.org/blog/doug-burgum-the-billionaire-governor-turned-trumps-doi-secretary/
Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05022025/new-interior-secretary-weakens-public-land-protections-fossil-fuels/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!