St. Paul, Minn. (March 26, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans, along with MiningMinnesota and Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS), released the below joint statement in response to Senator Smith’s letter today to the secretaries of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Interior (USDI) that asked to finish a mineral segregation and withdrawal study for Rainy River Watershed in northeast Minnesota:
“We are deeply concerned about this proposed mineral withdrawal and segregation action given the importance of these minerals to the security of our country’s supply chain and transition to a low-carbon future. In 2017 and today, this study is simply a back-door attempt to block even the consideration of copper-nickel mining projects across a vast area of northeastern Minnesota. Every mine proposal is unique and specific to its leases, location and mining methods. Every geological deposit the proposal sits on is different. We need to trust our government institutions and agencies to analyze each project based on science and facts in a predictable and fair way through the processes already in place.”
“You cannot have electric vehicles, solar panels or windmills without the minerals that are located in northeast Minnesota. Ninety-five percent of the U.S. nickel reserves and 88 percent of U.S. cobalt reserves are located here in northeast Minnesota. We as a country cannot just shut out an industry in one breath and then expect we have the ability to make this critical green transition in another.
“The citizens of Minnesota represented by our organizations deserve the opportunity for responsible industries to proceed through the robust environmental review process as outlined by law and potentially bring high-quality, family-sustaining jobs to the state. That includes companies currently exploring mining in the Duluth Complex located in the region outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness set aside for mining.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
About MiningMinnesota
MiningMinnesota is an industrial trade organization made up of all nonferrous exploration and mineral development companies in Minnesota, along with approximately 100 supplier and vendor businesses, all committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible copper-nickel and PGM mineral development and mining in Minnesota. For more information, visit miningminnesota.com.
About Range Association of Municipalities and Schools
Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS) represents more than 78,000 residents and 57 public sector units of government, including 27 cities, 16 public school districts and 14 townships, in the 13,000 square mile Taconite Assistance Area (TAA) of northeast Minnesota. As an organization, RAMS has represented the interests of the Iron Range region for over 80 years. For more information, visit ramsmn.org.
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Media Contacts:
Nancy Norr, Board Chair
Jobs for Minnesotans
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Frank Ongaro, Executive Director
MiningMinnesota
218-393-2301
fongaro@miningminnesota.com
Steve Giorgi, President
Range Association of Municipalities and Schools
218-780-8877
SGiorgi@ramsmn.org
St. Paul, Minn. (March 22, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the below statement following the news that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a temporary pause of the PolyMet NorthMet Project’s 404 wetlands permit pending the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 90-day review announced earlier this month:
“This USACE news was expected following the EPA’s decision earlier this month. Jobs for Minnesotans is confident the PolyMet NorthMet Project’s scientific record will be upheld and the EPA will come to the same conclusion as before. While we await the 90-day review, the project continues to advance and we look forward to the construction phase of the project.
“PolyMet Mining has already invested $400 million in the NorthMet Project, which is expected to provide 360 family-sustaining jobs to northeast Minnesota. The region is currently experiencing severe economic disparities and unemployment rates compared to the Twin Cities metro area. The project will also be the first to mine nonferrous metals from Minnesota’s Duluth Complex that are needed to meet growing demand of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and other climate change solutions.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
St. Paul, Minn. (March 4, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the below statement following today’s news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has filed a voluntary motion to remand its downstream water quality decision regarding the PolyMet NorthMet Project:
“Jobs for Minnesotans is confident the PolyMet NorthMet Project’s scientific record will be upheld, and the EPA will find, again, that the project will have no downstream water quality impacts. We stand strong behind the science that was affirmed in the project’s 16-year record. We urge the EPA to move forward expeditiously with its review.
“The PolyMet NorthMet project is expected to provide 360 family-sustaining jobs to northeast Minnesota, a region currently experiencing severe economic disparities and unemployment rates compared to the Twin Cities metro area. The project will also be the first to mine nonferrous metals from Minnesota’s Duluth Complex that are needed to meet growing demand of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and other climate change solutions.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
St. Paul, Minn. (February 24, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the below statement following today’s Minnesota Supreme Court ruling reversing the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision on the air permit for the PolyMet NorthMet project issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The ruling also remanded the Minnesota Court of Appeals address the remaining issues on appeal:
“Today’s air permit ruling is an affirmation of the comprehensive regulatory process codified in Minnesota’s laws, the PolyMet project’s scientific record and the expertise of the MPCA. The Minnesota Supreme Court supports the multi-year agency review conducted to ensure environmental standards will be met.
“This is a positive step forward for the PolyMet project after 16 years of regulatory review and the seventh court ruling that has upheld the permitting process. While we wait on the rulings of remaining court challenges for the project, Jobs for Minnesotans encourages all supporters of responsible industry to remain resilient as they look forward to the construction of this sustainable mine.
“The PolyMet NorthMet project is expected to provide 360 family-sustaining jobs to northeast Minnesota, a region currently experiencing severe economic disparities and unemployment rates compared to the Twin Cities metro area. The project will also be the first in Minnesota to mine nonferrous metals needed for the growing demand of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and other climate change solutions.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Jobs For Minnesotans stands in solidarity with the workers and communities affected by today’s actions. No matter the outcome of the investigation, putting lives and the environment at risk does not represent peaceful and lawful protest.
ENBRIDGE SUSPICIOUS DEVICE STATEMENT
Today Enbridge workers and contractors working on the company’s Line 3 replacement project observed a group of protesters, one of whom threw a suspicious device onto the construction site. The protesters then rushed to drive away from the scene. Our workers reported the incident to local authorities, and have been evacuated from the site as emergency responders investigate.
Out of an abundance of caution Enbridge has shut down its pipelines in the area.
Putting the lives of workers and others at risk is unacceptable. Protestors need to know actions that put people in harm’s way will be prosecuted, and that we are working with the police and other authorities to assure worker safety.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
In Response: Flambeau Mine successfully operated, successfully closed
Duluth News Tribune
By Frank Ongaro of Duluth, executive director of Mining Minnesota (miningminnesota.com), an advocacy group for copper-nickel mining
In her Feb. 10 commentary in the News Tribune, Laura Gauger argued that the Flambeau Mine in Wisconsin is not an example of a successful mining project. Unfortunately, the commentary conveniently omitted several facts.
While a focus should be on Minnesota’s comprehensive, science-based environmental review and permitting processes, it is important to point out some key facts about the Flambeau Mine.
First, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources holds this mine up as an example of a successful operation and successful closure. Plans for closure and reclamation were part of the initial permitting process and were approved by state regulators. The reclaimed site is now home to acres of wetlands, hundreds of species of plants and animals, miles of hiking trails, and five miles of equestrian trails open to the public year-round.
U.S. District Court Denies Injunction of Line 3 Replacement Project
St. Paul, Minn. (Feb. 8, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the decision by the U.S. District Court to deny the motion for a preliminary injunction on the Line 3 Replacement Project’s 404 water permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
“The U.S. District Court decision reinforces the sound scientific record of the Line 3 Replacement Project. This Court, along with the Minnesota Court of Appeals which also denied a stay to the project last week, has determined stopping construction would be too harmful not only to the surrounding environment of the aging pipeline this project replaces, but also to the Minnesota communities along the route corridor experiencing irreplaceable investment, and the 5,000 skilled professionals currently working on the project relying on its employment and health care benefits.
“Jobs for Minnesotans encourages all Minnesotans to accept the agency decisions made time and time again to advance this critical $2.6 billion private investment in the state’s energy transportation infrastructure. We strongly support a safe and respectful work environment for the construction workers and the communities along the corridor.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Minnesota Court of Appeals Denies Stay of Line 3 Replacement Project
St. Paul, Minn. (Feb. 3, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to yesterday’s Minnesota Court of Appeals decision to deny the motion for a stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project Certificate of Need and Route Permit:
“Jobs for Minnesotans is pleased by the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision to deny the stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project. We thank the appeals commission for determining the harm of a stay would be far too great to more than 5,000 skilled professionals currently working on the project, the northern Minnesota communities along the route trying to survive the disproportionate economic impact of the pandemic, and to the surrounding environment and watersheds of the existing 51-year-old pipeline being replaced.
“These motions for a stay were another attempt to deny science and the lawful six-year regulatory review process of a $2.6 billion private investment in our state’s energy infrastructure. It’s time for all Minnesotans to accept the agency decisions made time and time again to advance this project based on an expansive scientific record.
“More than 5,000 workers now rely on Line 3 for employment and health benefits as construction for the project continues. We urge all of those following this project to support a safe and respectful work environment for these workers and the communities along the corridor.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Proposed Legislation Attempts to Kill the Minnesota Mining Industry
St. Paul, Minn. (January 13, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the proposed Prove it First legislation released today by select members of the Minnesota legislature:
“This bill is not an attempt to strengthen the regulatory process, it’s simply an attempt to kill the mining industry in Minnesota and issue a blanket denial to projects that ultimately are essential to the future transition to green energy sources.
“Those backing this legislation ignore the fact that there have been non-ferrous mines that have opened, operated and closed in similar climates that have successfully protected the environment and remain in compliance in our country. Look to the Flambeau mine in Wisconsin and the Eagle mine in Michigan.
“We already have “prove it first” regulations and laws in our state environmental review and permit processes for all mining projects. Any nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals project proposed in Minnesota already has to prove it can operate safely without impacting the surrounding environment.
“You cannot have electric vehicles, solar panels or windmills without the minerals that are located in northeast Minnesota. Ninety-five percent of the U.S. nickel reserves and 88 percent of U.S. cobalt reserves are located here in northeast Minnesota. We as a state cannot just shut out an industry in one breath and then expect we have the ability to make this critical green transition in another.
“Every mine proposal is unique and specific to its leases, location and mining methods. Every geological deposit the proposal sits on is different. We need to trust our government institutions and agencies to analyze each project based on science and facts in a predictable and fair way through the processes already in place.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Minnesota PUC Upholds Line 3 Replacement Project Again
St. Paul, Minn. (Dec. 23, 2020) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) decision to deny the reconsideration of a stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Route Permit and Certificate of Need:
“The Line 3 Replacement Project’s scientific record, the most studied project in Minnesota’s history, prevailed again today. It’s time for all Minnesotans to accept the sound agency decisions and come together as a state to advance this critical $2.6 billion dollar private investment in Minnesota’s energy infrastructure and economy. Especially for the communities along the route that are experiencing high unemployment rates and economic disparities compared to the Twin Cities.
“Jobs for Minnesotans now looks forward to supporting a respectful work environment for the communities along the corridor and for construction workers as this project continues.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978