Senator Kennedy Urges Revenue-Focused Reform in Federal Land Management
Washington, D.C., March 12, 2025 — In a Senate floor statement delivered during the 119th Congress, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana addressed the issue of federal land management, highlighting the potential for the U.S. government to generate significant revenue through its vast land holdings. Kennedy began by noting that 25 percent of the land in the United States is owned by the federal government, amounting to approximately 620 million acres. He pointed out that if this land were managed properly, it could help generate the funds necessary to address the nation’s growing debt.
Kennedy stressed the importance of land conservation, but he also emphasized the need to consider how these assets can be monetized responsibly. He outlined how the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is tasked with conserving federal land while also providing opportunities for public recreation and generating revenue. He pointed to national parks as an example, where activities such as mining, oil and gas production, and timber harvesting contribute to revenue, in addition to fees collected from visitors.
According to Kennedy, effective management of federal lands could potentially generate $90 billion annually, derived from various sources such as mineral harvesting, natural gas production, oil drilling, and recreational fees like hunting and fishing licenses. However, he noted that in 2023, federal lands actually resulted in a loss of $13 billion, a significant departure from the potential $90 billion in revenue. Kennedy attributed much of this loss to policies enacted by the current administration, including restrictions on offshore drilling, the cancellation of oil and gas leases, and the imposition of burdensome regulations on natural resource production.
The senator contrasted the federal government’s management of land with the practices of state governments, which he argued have been more successful in generating revenue from their lands. States like Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico have demonstrated the potential for a more profitable approach to land management. Kennedy cited reports showing that for every $1 these states invest in their lands, they receive an average return of $14.51. In comparison, the federal government only receives 73 cents for every dollar spent on public land management.
Kennedy concluded his remarks by calling for a more efficient and profitable approach to managing federal lands. He suggested that lawmakers could learn from the practices of successful states and work to implement similar strategies at the federal level. By doing so, he argued, the U.S. could begin to better leverage its vast land resources to reduce the national debt and increase revenue for essential government functions.
The senator’s remarks highlight the potential role of federal land management in contributing to the nation’s energy sector, particularly through oil and gas production, as well as mineral harvesting. By optimizing the use of these resources, Kennedy believes the government could both preserve valuable assets and reduce the financial burden of its national debt.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements and proceedings from the U.S. Congressional Record, a public government source. The content reflects remarks made by members of Congress and has been edited solely for clarity and length. EnergyRoundup.com presents these records for informational purposes and does not endorse any political viewpoint.
