St. Paul, MN—State Representative Spencer Igo, R-Grand Rapids, issued the following statement in response to the release of an environment assessment from the Biden Administration’s U.S. Forest Service. The assessment advocates for a 20-year, region-wide mining ban on minerals, including taconite, copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum-group elements in the Superior National Forest.
“This is not just about copper nickel, this latest move from the Biden Administration reveals their true hand and intent to effectively ban mining through any means possible,” said Igo. “Once again, Biden is putting the interests of hostile foreign nations ahead of the hard-working men and women of Northern Minnesota. We know how to mine in Minnesota and have a long track record of environmentally conscious and safe mining operations. If we want to build the world of tomorrow and source the critical minerals needed to produce cell phones, electric cars, and more, there is no reason why it cannot happen right here in our Northland.”
The release of the study initiates a 30-day comment period after which the Biden Administration will consider the comments and finalize the study. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will then decide on the 20-year ban.
Rep. Igo sent a letter to Secretary Haaland in early May inviting her to the Iron Range to learn more about the ways Minnesota is leading the world in safe and effective mining practices. Sec. Haaland declined the meeting.
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