Senate Confirms Leslie Beyer to Key Interior Department Role
The new head of the Bureau of Land Management and three other agencies under the Interior Department is Leslie Beyer, the former CEO of the Houston-based Energy Workforce & Technology Council.
She served as CEO of the council from 2014 to 2023 but just won U.S. Senate confirmation as Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Agencies Under Her Oversight
Serving under Secretary Doug Burgum, Assistant Secretary Beyer will now oversee:
Her office will guide the use of about 245 million acres of federal surface lands, 700 million acres of federal mineral interests, and the 1.7 billion-acre Outer Continental Shelf.
Industry Reaction and Praise for Leslie Beyer
When she was nominated in February, the Workforce Council praised her leadership as pivotal for advancing the energy services sector. The council said she consistently advocated for oil and gas as a driver of both economic growth and energy security.
“Her leadership, dedication, and deep industry knowledge have made a lasting impact on not only the Council and its member companies, but the energy industry at large,” stated the council.
On May 8, 2025, the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee advanced her nomination with a favorable recommendation. Today, her confirmation was made official.
A Career Shaped by Policy and Industry
As EWTC CEO, Beyer championed workforce development, streamlined permitting, and stronger collaboration between regulators and industry. Leslie’s background also includes public service in Congress, multiple presidential administrations, the State Department, and HUD.
Energy Workforce President Molly Determan said:
“Leslie brings a rare combination of political acumen and operations insight that’s critically needed at Interior. She understands the stakes for American energy, and she knows how to drive real outcomes in Washington.”
President Tim Tarpley added:
“Her leadership shaped critical conversations on permitting, public lands access, and workforce development. I have no doubt she’ll bring that same policy depth and strategic thinking to the Department of the Interior.”
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