Senator Tina Smith Opposes Lifting Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith delivered a five-hour speech on the Senate floor to oppose a measure that would lift a mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The proposal, if passed, would remove a 20-year prohibition on mining federal lands in the Superior National Forest, a ban established under President Joe Biden three years ago. The measure is being considered under the Congressional Review Act and would prevent future administrations from reinstating the ban. This legislative move is supported by Representative Pete Stauber and Twin Metals, a mining company planning to develop a copper-nickel mine in the area. Smith has expressed concerns that the ore extracted would be shipped to China, leaving Minnesota with environmental pollution. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure, with Smith's opposition facing challenges due to Republican control of Congress. 
