St. Paul, Minn. (Dec. 6, 2013) – Today’s release of PolyMet’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement is an important milestone for all Minnesotans. The more than 55,000 union members and business leaders who are a part of Jobs for Minnesotans are encouraged that this important public process is being led by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to not only seek public input, but to ensure that a project of this scope and magnitude is thoroughly studied. Our members join all Minnesotans in placing their trust in the DNR to provide the public with the most up-to-date factual information and environmental analysis of the proposed PolyMet project and to continue this ongoing public dialogue to bring thousands of new jobs to our state.
“Copper-nickel mining can and will revitalize and sustain the Iron Range economy. The release of the Supplemental Draft EIS is an incredibly important step in the public process. We believe the document will demonstrate that the project is both environmentally sound and economically viable,” said Nancy Norr, director of regional development for Minnesota Power and chair of Jobs for Minnesotans.
“Minnesota has the strictest environmental standards in the world. The process encourages us to talk openly and honestly about how copper-nickel mining can be done right for our environment. Before we say no to bringing solid, high-paying jobs to the state, we should have an open dialogue about how projects like PolyMet’s can benefit all of us,” stated Harry Melander, Jobs for Minnesotans co-founder and president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.
“Minnesota has a chance to be a world leader in copper and nickel mining. Benefits from these proposed copper-nickel mines extend beyond long-term, good paying jobs. They are key elements in revitalizing our communities and generating revenue for our schools. This is a great step forward in beginning a new era of mining in Minnesota,” added David Olson, Jobs for Minnesotans co-founder and president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
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Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in October 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 55,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 companies and 500,000 employees. This coalition represents businesses, middle class workers, labor, local governments and other supporters of job creation in the state of Minnesota. Jobs for Minnesotans was created to educate and provide information about the direct and ancillary job creation that the strategic metals mining can produce for the state.
Media Contacts:
Harry Melander
612.865.3585
harstpbt@mtn.org
Nancy Norr
218.723.3905
nnorr@mnpower.com
Tony Kwilas
651.292.4668
tkwilas@mnchamber.com