Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced Minnesota’s Economic Rights (MINER) in the Superior National Forest Act, which will help restore mineral rights to Minnesota so that our miners, the state of Minnesota, and nation can once again thrive. Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) and Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) joined Emmer as original cosponsors.
The MINER Act requires approval from elected Representatives in Congress for any federal proposal to withdraw land from mining, or establishment of national monuments in Minnesota. Additionally, this legislation would allow the renewal of mineral leases in the area and would ensure that future leases in the area remain valid and renewed, consistent with current law.
Lastly, this legislation includes language to specifically protect one of Minnesota’s natural treasures by stating, “Nothing in this section may be construed as permitting the prospecting for development and utilization of mineral resources within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Mine Protection Area,” and specifically requires environmental review of any leases issued under the bill’s provisions.
“In their final hours, the Obama Administration enacted a series of harmful and reckless policies, which have hindered our ability to utilize our state’s abundance of natural resources and bring jobs to a part of our state that badly needs them,” said Emmer. “I know that we can responsibly mine and bring jobs back to this region without destroying the forests, lakes and streams that all Minnesotans hold dear. That is why I am proud to introduce the MINER Act, which will allow mining as long as it meets strict environmental requirements, so that we can advance our state and local economies while protecting Minnesota’s beauty for future generations.”
The MINER Act is H.R. 3905. Click here to read the full text.
Additional resources:
Release: House Unanimously Approves Emmer Amendment (Sept. 7, 2017)
Video: Emmer testifies to restore Minnesota’s mineral rights (July 27, 2017)
Release: Gosar, Emmer, Nolan and Westerman tour MN mining operations (July 19, 2017)
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