ST. PAUL, MN — On Monday during debate on the Commerce and Energy Omnibus bill, House Democrats joined by Range Area Reps. Rob Ecklund, Julie Sandstede, Dave Lislegard, and Mike Sundin blocked amendments to support the Line 3 pipeline and to designate Minnesota as a mining friendly state.
"Today Minnesota Democrats turned their back on the Iron Range," said Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Grand Rapids. "Range Democrats had a chance to support union jobs, but they joined with their Metro Democrat leaders to rule the Range out of order. It’s time for Range Democrats to join us by making clear their support of the mining industry as we work to bring our best days to reality."
Rep. Igo's first amendment would have declared Minnesota a mining friendly state—making sure that it is the official policy of the state to support the safe and responsible mining of critical minerals. The second amendment would have barred state funds from being used to appeal the Line 3 Replacement Project in court.
Reps. Ecklund, Sandstede, Lislegard, and Sundin blocked each of the amendments, preventing the House from even debating and voting on the issues.
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