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Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Congress Proposes Permanent Mining Ban on 225,000 Acres Near Boundary Waters to Protect Wilderness

Also known as: Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill would permanently ban mining and mineral leasing on about 225,500 acres of federal land in northeastern Minnesota. It specifically targets the Rainy River Watershed, which feeds into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.
  • The main goal is to prevent water pollution. When certain metals like copper and nickel are mined, they can create sulfuric acid that leaks into lakes and streams. Because this area contains 20% of the fresh water in the entire National Forest System, the bill aims to keep that water clean for wildlife and people.
  • The ban would prevent companies from starting new copper and nickel mines in the area. Supporters say this protects the local tourism industry, which provides thousands of jobs, while critics often argue it limits economic growth from mining high-value metals.
  • While it bans mining for metals like copper, gold, and silver, the bill allows the Forest Service to permit the removal of sand, gravel, iron ore, and taconite. These activities are only allowed if the government determines they won't harm the air, water, or forest health.
  • This action would make a 2023 administrative decision permanent. While the Department of the Interior previously issued a 20-year pause on mining in this region, this bill would turn that temporary protection into a lasting federal law.
Energy EnvironmentAgriculture

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 21, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Jan 21, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

2 articles
Politico·7 days ago

Big week ahead for minerals, mining on Capitol Hill

The Senate may vote on a resolution to undo the ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. Rep. Pete Stauber introduced H.J. Res 140 to repeal the moratorium, while supporters like Sen. Tina Smith fight to keep the protections in place.

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MPR News·about 1 month ago

U.S. House votes to repeal ban on mining near Boundary Waters

The House voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resolution nullifies a Biden-era moratorium on 225,000 acres of federal land in the Rainy River Watershed.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

Bill NumberHR 588
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(33)
D: 33

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.