U.S. Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) this week slammed a newly introduced bill that would reinstate a mining ban in their home state’s Superior National Forest.
“I am absolutely outraged to hear another harmful piece of legislation has been introduced to reinstate a mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest, once again attempting to place this vast, mineral-rich area off-limits,” Rep. Stauber said. “It is unfortunate that some of my colleagues continue to treat northern Minnesota as a playground to spend their weekends, rather than an area where people actually live, work and raise their families.”
The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, H.R. 5598, was introduced on Jan. 14 by Betty McCollum (D-MN) to provide for the protection of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Superior National Forest and interconnected federal lands and waters, including Voyageurs National Park, within the Rainy River Watershed, according to the text of the bill.
“This bill has nothing to do with protecting the Boundary Waters,” said Rep. Emmer. “It has to do with an agenda to end economic development in Minnesota.”
H.R. 5598 also would restrict the state’s rights to its own land and let citizens develop their economy while also protecting the environment.
“In northern Minnesota, mining is our past, our present and our future,” Rep. Stauber said. “This utter disregard for our way of life is insulting.”
Rep. Emmer said it’s “especially disappointing” that his congressional colleagues won’t let science determine the proper way to protect these lands.
“I encourage the sponsors of this bill — especially those who are not from our state — to start listening to the hardworking voices of the Minnesota’s Iron Range and stop these efforts,” the congressman said. “Our state and local economies deserve to prosper, and we can ensure that while protecting Minnesota’s beauty for future generations.”