Proposed changes to environmental regulations help stall miners unemployment bill in committee

Less than two weeks ago, Cleveland-Cliffs announced temporary closures of the Minorca Mine in Virginia and Hibbing Taconite would lead to layoffs affecting nearly 600 miners.

Some of those who will be affected told the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee Wednesday they fear temporary layoffs will last at least a year and those jobs and more could be lost permanently without legislative action.

“The last few weeks have been a tough time on the Range,” said Rep. Spencer Igo (R-Wabana Township) who sponsors HF3030, the so-called “Minnesota Miners Relief Act” that he says would ensure workers receive needed financial support in the short term and better job security in the long term.

The bill would extend unemployment benefits to workers laid off this spring through June 19, 2026, as their benefits are expected to run out around Christmas. The cost is estimated at $10 million to $12 million.

[WATCH: House Republican news conference on the bill]

Two provisions related to environmental impacts of mining are included in the bill.

One would clarify rules for reactive mine waste, which supporters say would address vague language that has led to legal challenges and project delays.  

And rules and deadlines would be set for site specific sulfite standards. Igo said this has been a perpetual issue at the Legislature for a decade and rulemaking from Pollution Control Agency is needed immediately.   

Al King, president of United Steelworkers Local 6115 at Minorca Mine, testifies in support of HF3030 April 2. Sponsored by Rep. Spencer Igo, right, the bill. in part, would extend unemployment insurance benefits for workers subject to mass layoffs in the iron ore mining and related explosives manufacturing industries. (Photo by Michele Jokinen)

Members on both sides of the aisle expressed support for extending unemployment insurance benefits, but a motion to send the bill to the House Ways and Means Committee failed on a 7-7 party-line vote. It was then tabled.

Democrats object to tying unemployment benefits to environmental regulations, especially because the bill is not going through the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee.  

It's a bad process, said Rep. Pete Johnson (DFL-Duluth), comparing it to an earned sick and safe time bill not being heard by the workforce committee.

Johnson unsuccessfully offered an amendment to remove the environmental portions of the bill. It, too, went down along party lines. He said both sections could find support but need to follow their own paths. He sponsors a standalone bill extending unemployment benefits that is on Thursday’s agenda.

Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township) said the clock has run out and action should be taken on the entire bill, adding the tax revenue related to mining makes this a statewide issue. “We need to get decisions made. We need mining in Minnesota.”