Six BIG Things

Six Big Things You Need to Know About Congressman Rick Nolan’s Position on Mining in Northern Minnesota

 
Mining will never, ever be permitted in the BWCA. And as an original cosponsor of the legislation that established the BWCA, I will never support any bill, or any project - mining or otherwise - that could damage this precious and pristine national treasure.

Dear Friend,

We have the brains, the technology and the ability to protect our precious environment here in Minnesota and create good paying mining jobs for generations to come.  

Fear and misinformation must not be permitted to misrepresent the facts about our efforts to preserve and protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) – or legislation in Congress that would remove some barriers to copper and nickel mining on Minnesota’s Iron Range where these activities are permitted by law. Here are the facts in a nutshell:
 

1. There can be NO mining in the BWCA – EVER!

Mining will never, ever be permitted in the BWCA. And as an original cosponsor of legislation that established the BWCA, I will never support any bill, or any project – mining or otherwise – that could damage those precious and pristine national treasures. 

2. My Superior National Forest Land Exchange bill won’t affect the BWCA in any way – and does not interfere with any state or federal agencies that must approve the PolyMet mining project before it can go forward. 

Whether or not the PolyMet mining project is ever approved, the land exchange is a good deal for taxpayers who get more valuable land, more timber, more lakeshore, more wild rice waters, more wetlands and more access to recreation and enjoyment. 

3. The MINER bill, which I supported in the House, does not allow mining or mining exploration in the BWCA. And it specifically requires rigorous environmental review of any mining leases issued under its provisions. Here is the language in the bill pertaining to the BWCA:

“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.”

4. There must be rigorous environmental review for every project – mining, agricultural, or industrial.

Every project, be it mining, industrial or agricultural, must go through rigorous environmental review, and meet or exceed the toughest federal, state and local environmental standards – or it must not be allowed to proceed.

5. Human exploitation, and the exploitation of our environment, are unacceptable wherever they occur. 

Third World developing countries, their workers, and the environment are being terribly exploited and damaged in pursuit of minerals that end up being exported to the U.S., where they are used to make our cell phones, our computers, and advance our high-tech lifestyles. We have a moral obligation to mine these materials right here in America, where our environment, and our workers, are fully protected by rigorous rules and regulations.

6. Copper, nickel and other strategic minerals found on Minnesota’s Iron Range are critical in our efforts to advance America’s “green” economy, and address global warming and climate change. 

Global warming and climate change threaten our very existence on this planet. Copper, nickel and other strategic minerals are essential in advancing solar, wind, and hydro-energy and “green” technologies. And we should be mining these materials right here  in America – where the environment and the health and safety of workers are fully protected.

These are the simple facts. For a much more detailed explanation of both the Superior National Forest Land Exchange bill and the MINER Act, you can click here. 

Sincerely,

Read the full letter HERE.