The federal government EXISTS to serve the States. It’s purpose is not to generate profit like a corporation. It can raise revenue in many ways, it doesn’t have to acquire land and lease it out like a mindless slumlord. Number 1- 90% of what the federal government does is extra-Constitutional, so it actually needs much less money, not more. And besides, the amount of money it raises leasing so-called federal lands is tiny compared to the total budget.
In most cases out west they federal acquired the land by beating up on Mexico in the 1840's. And you're right, the government doesn't have to lease out the land for grazing or drilling or mining. But if they did that then wouldn't people like the Bundy's have even more to complain about?
Number 1- 90% of what the federal government does is extra-Constitutional, so it actually needs much less money, not more.
Sure it isn't higher than that?
And besides, the amount of money it raises leasing so-called federal lands is tiny compared to the total budget.
BLM takes in about $5 billion a year from federal land usage. Tiny, compared to other sources as you said. But it's still $5 billion from land that belongs to all the people of the U.S. and not just those in Wyoming or Oregon or Utah. Why should the land be turned over to them so they can reap that money without compensation to all the rest of the country for the lost income? If the Bundys want to buy the grazing land then I'm not opposed to selling it to them. But you and they want it for free.