Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)’s proposal to withdraw 234,328 acres of federal land and minerals in Northeast Minnesota from future leasing, exploration and development.

“With only a week left in office, the Obama Administration continues to listen to only one side of most discussions – his. January 20th can’t come soon enough,” said Emmer. “Preserving Minnesota’s beautiful wilderness and ensuring a strong economy do not have to be mutually exclusive. The USFS’ proposal could cost our state hundreds of jobs and billions of dollars of investment in our local economies, which would be a drastic blow to Northern Minnesota. November’s election demonstrated that the American people are tired of seeing their best interest and future livelihoods take a back seat to the political agendas of Washington bureaucrats. I look forward to working with the incoming Administration, Interior Department Secretary Nominee Rep. Ryan Zinke and my colleagues in Congress to reverse these flawed policies, protect our natural resources, and drive our economy forward.”

###