'The data's lying!' Burgum insists renewable energy stats are false during confrontation

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (R), the former governor of North Dakota, insisted that the "data is lying" after being told that energy prices in his state were lower because of renewable energy.

During a Wednesday hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) pointed out that President Donald Trump had claimed windmills cause cancer, among other false statements about renewable energy.

"People's electric bills are too high, and you are blocking projects, and you know better," Magaziner charged. "Enough of the games. The American people want lower energy costs. They want lower prices. They want these projects not blocked."

"The number one thing preventing that from happening is the administration playing games, blocking clean energy from getting to the grid," he continued.

"Can you explain why the states that have pursued the policies you're describing have the highest power prices in the country?" Burgum asked the lawmaker.

"Does North Dakota have one of the highest power prices in the country?" Magaziner shot back. "Because you have one of the highest percentages of renewables."

"You have 40% renewable," the Democrat added. "You knew it was the right thing when you were governor. Why isn't it the right thing now?"

"False!" Burgum exclaimed.

"The data doesn't lie, Mr. Secretary," Magaziner observed.

"Yeah, the data's lying!" Burgum insisted.