Reflection on National Security and Resource Management

Every American relies on three fundamental elements that often go unnoticed until they’re at risk: dependable energy, a secure food supply, and a safe environment.

A nation unable to fuel, feed, or protect itself struggles to maintain its prosperity. If the power goes out, grocery shelves empty, and prices surge due to disrupted supply chains, every community feels the repercussions. It’s interesting how these issues are often tackled separately, yet they’re deeply intertwined.

As Texas Land Commissioner, I oversee the Texas General Land Office (GLO), a significant agency with a role that most Americans might not fully appreciate. However, our responsibilities impact all three of these vital pillars, extending well beyond Texas’s borders.

The GLO manages over 13 million acres of land and mineral interests, oversees 3,400 miles of shoreline, administers disaster recovery initiatives, supports veterans through the Veterans Land Board, and oversees assets that contribute billions to public education through the Permanent School Fund. While our core mission is land stewardship, the effects of our work are felt in some of the most pressing issues our country faces today.

First and foremost, America must ensure it remains fueled by producing abundant, reliable, and affordable energy.

Texas plays a crucial role in this effort. We lead the nation in oil and natural gas production and refining capacity, alongside a growing array of emerging energy technologies. Energy production on state lands generates funds that support Texas public education and provide essential resources that power homes, businesses, farms, and innovation.

It’s true: energy security equates to national security. Every barrel produced domestically means less reliance on unstable regions or competitors. Nations that cannot meet their own energy needs become overly dependent on others. Each investment in American energy not only bolsters our economy and job market but also mitigates foreign influence.

This is why Texas embraces a comprehensive approach to energy. While traditional oil and gas production remain critical, investments in innovation and new technologies are equally important. The GLO is advancing projects in areas like carbon capture, storage, critical rare earth minerals, and the beneficial use of produced water, thus supporting ongoing energy production.

Working alongside USA Rare Earth and the previous administration, we’re aiming to dismantle China’s grip on rare earth minerals, which currently dominate more than 90% of the magnet production needed for everything, from smartphones to military aircraft.

These initiatives will help ensure future generations inherit a robust energy landscape that can handle increasing demand.

Moreover, the lands that fuel our economy also play a vital part in another crucial area: food security.

The strength of America’s agriculture hinges on reliable infrastructure, responsible management of resources, and access to affordable energy. Farmers and ranchers depend on water for their crops and livestock, the fuel needed for machinery, and electricity to process and preserve products, all of which rely on transportation networks to distribute food nationwide.

Food security isn’t just about agriculture; it’s also a matter of land and resources. Energy costs, water accessibility, and responsible stewardship all factor into ensuring that Americans can access affordable, reliable food supplies.

In Texas, these issues often overlap, as we lead the nation in cattle inventory and beef production. The GLO leases land for grazing and agriculture, using the proceeds to support education in Texas. By managing natural resources, conducting surveys, and safeguarding vital water supplies, the GLO contributes significantly to the systems that underpin agricultural production and economic vitality. A nation capable of feeding itself is inherently stronger, more stable, and better equipped to handle disruptions.

The third pillar, which can no longer be ignored, is national defense.

The might of our armed forces is undeniable, but national security is more than just military might. It also involves securing our borders, infrastructure, supply chains, and domestic energy production, not to mention addressing cybersecurity.

Texas is uniquely positioned in all these areas. We host critical energy infrastructure, major ports, and vital transportation corridors along the southern border of the U.S. The security of these resources is not just a Texas issue; it impacts Americans everywhere.

The GLO collaborates with state and federal partners to enhance public safety and law enforcement efforts on state-owned land near the border. We are engaged in initiatives aimed at combating cartel activity, human trafficking, and other threats that jeopardize communities on both sides of the border.

Beyond the border, Texas’s land and coastal resources hold national significance. The Gulf Coast is crucial for energy and trade. Industries there drive our economy, support domestic manufacturing, and connect American goods to international markets. This is why the GLO is involved in the Coastal Texas Project, which aims to construct the largest infrastructure project, integrating storm risk management systems and beach restoration initiatives along our entire coast.

The common theme across all these responsibilities is stewardship.

For almost 200 years, the Texas GLO has adeptly managed resources that bolster economic growth, public education, infrastructure, and safety—foundational priorities that influence every household in America.

The challenges we face may change over time, but the core elements for prosperity—reliable energy, secure food systems, and the necessary infrastructure to protect them—stay constant.

The GLO is crucial in all of this, utilizing state lands and resources to fortify our economy, advance food and energy security, and safeguard Texas and the nation.

Ultimately, everything else hinges on it.