(The Center Square) – Domestic shale production in the Atlantic Basin may offer the easiest path toward protecting the nation’s energy supply and resisting reliance on geopolitical foes, says U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Speaking before energy executives and stakeholders, Burgum made the case that America’s energy policy is vital not only to the country’s prosperity but also to national security and global peace. Our energy abundance strengthens national security and helps promote peace because adversaries have less financial power to fund wars and terrorism, he said. Burgum also expressed concerns about China, portraying the nation as a major competitor in both energy production and technological advancements, particularly in AI. These tech giants, he said, want to spend in the U.S. to ensure secure domestic supply for the intelligence they’re creating and will become the energy sector’s largest customers.