Federal proposals to withdraw mineral rights from Minnesota lands would be subject to congressional approval under legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) on Tuesday.
In December 2016, the Interior Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that a renewal application for two hard rock mineral leases in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northeastern Minnesota had been denied, and additional steps had been initiated to withdraw portions of the watershed from new mineral permits and leases.
“In their final hours, the Obama administration enacted a series of harmful and reckless policies, which have hindered our ability to utilize our state’s abundance of natural resources and bring jobs to a part of our state that badly needs them,” Emmer said.
In response, Emmer introduced Minnesota’s Economic Rights (MINER) in the Superior National Forest Act, H.R. 3905. In addition to requiring approval from elected representatives to withdraw Minnesota lands from mining activities, the measure would also allow for mineral leases to be renewed and for future leases to remain valid.
“I know that we can responsibly mine and bring jobs back to this region without destroying the forests, lakes and streams that all Minnesotans hold dear,” Emmer said. “That is why I am proud to introduce the MINER Act, which will allow mining as long as it meets strict environmental requirements, so that we can advance our state and local economies while protecting Minnesota’s beauty for future generations.”
The legislation would also require environmental review of all leases issued under provisions of the bill.
It includes specific language that states, “Nothing in this section may be construed as permitting the prospecting for development and utilization of mineral resources within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Mine Protection Area.”