Congratulations are in order to northern Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber (R, 8th).
At a time when Congress can’t even pass a bill as simple as funding the Dept. of Homeland Security, Rep. Stauber got a bill passed that could mean tens of billions of dollars (with a “b”) in economic activity for his district. This new mining activity, centered on copper, nickel, cobalt, and other valuable metals, could create many high-paying, family-supporting union jobs that everyone claims they want.
In this instance, the specific mine being proposed is sponsored by a company called Twin Metals.
This event should be celebrated with parades and fireworks. Instead, the media, both local and national, are treating the occasion as some species of catastrophe.
From The Hill newspaper,
Senate votes to repeal Biden-era wilderness protections in Minnesota, sending bill to Trump’s desk.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune gives Rep. Stauber some of his due,
Stauber notches win with successful push to end mining ban near Boundary Waters
The Star Tribune notes regarding the bill,
Passage of his measure by both chambers and the expected approval of Trump will bar future presidents from enacting similar federal action. Only an act of Congress could reinstate similar mining prohibitions in the Superior National Forest.
The Star Tribune also reports that opponents of mining in Minnesota are working hard to ensure that this victory ends up being a form of delayed defeat.
Can it be stopped? Mine opponents see options to halt development near the Boundary Waters
You can already guess option No. 1: lawsuits, lawsuits, lawsuits.
And opponents will find a sympathetic ear in the federal district judges serving in Minnesota, whose ideologies range from left to far left. Depending on the judge, they would be willing to find Rep. Stauber’s bill, the underlying Congressional Review Act, or the Constitution itself unconstitutional, if it produces the correct result. So look for temporary restraining orders, permanent injunctions, contempt-of-court citations, whatever it takes to produce more delay.
But in the meantime, let’s bask in the glory of a rare legislative victory.