WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), and the House Western Caucus co-hosted a bipartisan forum to give Minnesotans who did not have the chance to participate in this morning’s Natural Resources Committee hearing an opportunity to voice their concerns over anti-mining legislation authored by Congresswoman Betty McCollum.

Following the forum, Congressman Emmer stated, “It was necessary that we held a forum to share the stories of Northern Minnesotans who can and will be good stewards of their own land. Without acknowledging that environmental protection and economic development can occur simultaneously, those who advocate for a withdrawal have entirely ignored the will of the people of Northern Minnesota and attempted to stifle their voice. Mining has been a way of life for Minnesotans for generations, and it plays a huge role in the future success of our state, and our country as a whole. This served as an opportunity for those who would benefit from this economic growth to share their intentions for environmental protection and sustained development of mining activity. I was honored to be a part of the discussion and look forward to continue advocating for this vital industry for Minnesota.” 

Congressman Stauber stated, “In Minnesota, mining is our past, our present, and our future. With 21st century technology, we can responsibly source the critical minerals necessary for everyday life while unleashing the economic engine in our region. That’s why it is incredibly unfortunate that politicians from the Twin Cities metro area continue to attempt to kill these opportunities before they even get the chance to undergo a thorough permitting process. During the hearing that took place earlier, we were not able to hear from every Minnesotan who would be negatively impacted by Betty McCollum’s job-killing legislation, so I was happy to give many of these individuals a seat at the table during this Western Caucus event. If we learned anything from today’s bipartisan forum, it is that Minnesotans from both sides of the aisle are prepared to fight back against these unwarranted attacks on our way of life.”

During this forum, Congressman Emmer was joined by the following individuals:

·         Hon. Dave Lislegard, Democrat from Minnesota House of Representatives

·         Nancy Norr, Chairperson, Jobs For Minnesotans

·         Kyle Makarios, United Brotherhood of Carpenters

·         Jason George, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49

·         Frank Ongaro, Mining Minnesota

·         Julie Padilla, Twin Metals Minnesota

·         Mark Compton, American Exploration & Mining Association

·         Congressman Paul Gosar

·         Congressman Doug LaMalfa

·         Congressman Dan Newhouse

·         Congressman Kevin Hern

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