Minnesota State Level legislation

Prove It First

The Prove It First Bill (HF 954/SF 1382) simply requires that an applicant seeking a permit to open a copper-sulfide mine prove that a similar mine has operated and closed without causing pollution. Before they put a shovel into the ground, they need to show Minnesotans an example of a copper-sulfide mine that has operated for at least ten years and has been closed for ten years, without causing pollution.

Bad Actor Bill

The Nonferrous Mining Bad Actor Bill (HF 1197/SF 1744) would prevent Minnesota from issuing nonferrous mining permits to “bad actors” who have violated specific international laws including corruption, bribery, or natural resources destruction. This simple, common-sense standard will ensure Minnesota’s clean water is not placed in the hands of notorious international mining conglomerates with no regard for Minnesota’s environment. These are the last companies that Minnesota should trust with the future of the state’s clean water. This bill will prevent them from doing business in Minnesota.

Tax Payer Protections 

Protecting Minnesota Taxpayers from Liability

The Taxpayer Protection Act (HF 955/SF 1383) would require nonferrous (non-iron) mining companies to fully fund any financial assurance package upfront and in cash. This bill would protect Minnesota taxpayers from being forced to pay for any environmental clean-up resulting from the nonferrous mining operation.

Permanent Protections 

Keep the Boundary Waters Pristine!

The Permanent Protection (SF 875/HF 309) bill would prohibit copper-nickel sulfide mine operations on State-owned lands in the Rainy River watershed, and bar the issuance of non-ferrous mining permits on these lands. The bill applies to copper-nickel sulfide mining and does not prohibit or otherwise impact existing or future taconite, iron ore, sand, gravel, and granite mining.

Federal Legislation

Support “Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act” (HR 588) and “Boundary Waters Wilderness Permanent Protection Act” (S 1366)

This bill protects and preserves approximately 225,504 acres of federal land upstream of the BWCA in the Rainy River Watershed of Superior National Forest in Minnesota from certain mining, such as sulfide-ore copper mining.

Oppose “The Superior National Forest Restoration Act” (S 978)

This bill would expedite the permitting processes for mining, unrealistically expedite environmental review - which protects our water, land, and health - in northeastern Minnesota

Oppose Border Lands Conservation Act (S 2967)

This bill would allow Homeland Security unregulated access to the entirety of the Boundary Waters. Without oversight, federal agencies could bulldoze roads, erect walls, and install surveillance infrastructure anywhere within 100 miles of Minnesota's northern border, including inside the BWCA, Voyageurs National Park, and other irreplaceable wild lands.