Guest Column: Let’s Wrap Up PolyMet
Mesabi Daily News
Opinion: U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan
After 10 long years, the rigorous approval process for PolyMet’s NorthMet copper, nickel and other precious metals mining project has reached a major milestone: The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published this month in the Federal Register.
Having studied the details closely, and after numerous meetings with all the parties involved, I’m urging the co-lead agencies — the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service — to wrap things up so the project can be permitted and operational at the earliest possible date.
Views on PolyMet Final Environmental Impact Statement
Duluth News Tribune
Editorial Board
On Friday, the long-anticipated final environmental review of PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine was released, detailing how the project can be accomplished while also protecting air quality, water purity and the environment.
The News Tribune already had opined that the release of the 3,000-page Final Environmental Impact Statement, a document that took more than 10 years to get right, marked a moment that could be “welcomed and embraced.”
Pioneer Press
Editorial Board
Minnesotans should appreciate the process that is purposefully working its way to a conclusion as the state decides whether to allow copper and nickel mining on the Iron Range.
After 10 years, it reached a landmark Friday when the state’s Department of Natural Resources issued the final environmental impact statement on the proposed PolyMet mine near Hoyt Lakes in northeastern Minnesota. If other steps proceed and the department approves of the 3,000-page document early next year, the company then could begin applying for the nearly two dozen permits it will need.
Our view: Embrace PolyMet’s milestone
Duluth News Tribune
Editorial Board
After more than 10 years of environmental review — and with the end of that process now imminent and the start of the permitting process poised to begin — northern Minnesota could be providing the copper and other precious metals the world needs before the end of next year. Importantly for northern Minnesota, that also means we soon could be basking in the benefit of hundreds of millions of dollars of long-promised economic impact from the industry.
Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/our-view/3875207-our-view-embrace-polymets-milestone
Local View: Duluthians, Let’s Support Progress, Not NIMBYism
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Craig Olson and Brian Hanson
Our state and federal agencies have a thorough process in place to ensure the proposed PolyMet mine meets all of the rigorous environmental protections required by law, including providing significant financial assurances. Regulations aren’t anything new. Trusted systems are in place to make sure that legal, responsible projects can deliver hundreds of jobs and a protected environment. All businesses — from your local day care to the accounting firm that does your taxes to mining companies — must meet regulations to ensure our assets are protected.
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Karl Everett
We need mining for jobs and the economy in Minnesota. Mining continues to be one of the largest contributors to Northeastern Minnesota’s economy and directly employs thousands of men and women in high-paying jobs with medical benefits and supports additional people employed by vendors. Part of the direct impact to the economy includes taxes and royalties paid by the mining industry toward Minnesota’s education.
MINE VIII: Promises Made, Promises Kept
Mesabi Daily News
Opinion: Nancy Norr
The support of the communities, dedication to protecting the environment and the personal work ethic to do mining right have made Eagle Mine a success.
I’m proud to say these same qualities are already evident in the proposed PolyMet project. The project is a beacon of hope for the East Range communities that have waited patiently for the completion of the 10-year environmental review process. That resiliency cannot last forever.
Dueling Rallies about PolyMet Held Simultaneously
WDIO TV
Editorial Board
The Range rally drew in several hundred people, including tradesmen and women, business owners, engineers, and community leaders.
Then, before the speeches began, the student body from the Mesabi East School paraded down the street to join the crowd.
Read more: http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/s3934468.shtml
PolyMet Support Visible on Range
Mesabi Daily News
Jerry Burnes
With a few hundred in attendance, local officials handed out PolyMet signs and rallied supporters during a loosely-organized pep rally at the Aurora Community Center. Students from Mesabi East High School marched together down the street to the ceremony, carrying a large “We support mining” banner as the Iron Range looked to stand together against the environmental protest at the state capital.
Reader’s view: PolyMet can mine while protecting environment
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Adam Christensen
Consider the following: 10 years of science and evaluation, a 3,100-page document that says the [PolyMet] project can meet the law, and a huge cadre of involved state and federal regulators that have strictly followed an arduous process. All of it shows that the PolyMet project can and should move forward.
The project will create desperately needed jobs in our area while protecting our environment at the same time. It’s a win for everyone, especially my generation.