St. Paul, Minnesota (Jan. 21, 2025) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to action taken yesterday by President Trump to declare a national energy emergency and unlock domestic mineral production:

“The action taken yesterday by incoming President Trump underscores the urgency to domestically source critical minerals essential to battery and renewable energy production – including copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group minerals. These are all minerals that can be safely sourced right here in Minnesota.

“We urge the new administration to continue to take swift action and provide an expeditious path forward for nonferrous mining projects in our state. Minnesota holds our nation’s solution to sourcing these minerals in a safe and responsible way while protecting the surrounding environment.

“In order to advance responsible mining projects, there needs to be a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process that also protects the environment under the EPA and Minnesota’s strict regulations. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is needed to strengthen Minnesota’s communities and power our nation’s future.”

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:

Alecia Engelmeyer

952-240-7869

Aengelmeyer@webershandwick.com