Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3905 – Minnesota’s Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, also known as the MINER Act – led by Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06).

"Mining has been a way of life for Minnesotans since the 1800s and is a crucial part of our state’s economy. Unfortunately, in its waning days, the previous administration took unnecessary, politically motivated actions aimed at Minnesota’s mining industry by refusing to renew mineral leases and starting the process to withdraw nearly a quarter of a million acres of federal land from development.

“The MINER Act reverses the misguided, last-minute actions of the Obama Administration to stop any exploration of one of the most valuable precious metal deposits in the world. The MINER Act is about protecting Minnesota’s right to explore and, if environmentally appropriate, mine valuable precious metals.

“Nothing in this legislation will circumvent any of the numerous strict local, state and federal environmental regulations and permitting requirements currently in place – especially when one of the world’s most beautiful national treasures is at stake. By passing the MINER Act today, we are protecting more than ten thousand jobs and billions of dollars in revenue and education funding, while leaving an extensive process intact to protect and preserve the environment and our state.”

Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) and Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) are original cosponsors on this legislation.

Additional Resources:
Emmer Praises Committee Passage of the MINER Act (11/8/17)
Emmer Introduces MINER Act (10/3/17) 

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