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Dear Members of the House of Representatives: Last May, House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-MN) introduced the Superior National Forest Restoration Act, H.R. 3195, to establish safe, sustainable mining in Northeastern Minnesota. On behalf of Up North Jobs Inc., a Minnesota based nonprofit and our almost 3,500 individual and corporate members, we are writing to urge you to support this vital piece of proposed legislation.
The recent withdrawal of federal land use for over 225,000 acres by the Biden Administration has put essential mining projects, including Twin Metals Minnesota, at risk. This decision undermines American mineral independence. The Duluth Complex in Minnesota is home to significant domestic reserves of nickel, cobalt, and copper. Unlocking this domestic supply of critical minerals is crucial for bolstering United States national security by reducing our nation’s reliance on foreign resources, strengthening a secure supply chain, and fostering a timely energy transition.
Furthermore, H.R. 3195 is essential for preserving our 140year historical legacy of mining in Northeastern Minnesota, which has been an economic cornerstone for countless cities and towns in the region. By reestablishing safe, sustainable mining, H.R. 3195 aims to secure the jobs that the withdrawal threatens, thereby restoring the economic livelihood of those in Northeastern Minnesota.
To ensure the continued prosperity of mining in the region, H.R. 3195 includes provisions that give companies a chance to undergo the rigorous, scientifically-based regulatory processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that are needed to start new mining projects. These processes make certain that mining activities are conducted responsibly and with minimal environmental impact.
Passing the Superior National Forest Restoration Act is not only an issue of economic importance but also one of securing domestic mineral production for the long-run. We hope you will join us in supporting this critical legislation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Gerald M. Tyler is chairman and CEO of the Ely Area Development Association and of Up North Jobs (upnortjobs.org), an Ely-based nonprofit that promotes economic development and job growth in Northeastern Minnesota. He’s also a lawyer and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
