Star Tribune
Jim Bowyer
In all of the discussion about copper mining in Minnesota, there is a remarkable lack of references to copper consumption within our state. At the same time that wind and solar energy expansion and electric vehicles are being enthusiastically promoted, the critical role of copper (and nickel) to these developments is never mentioned.
[…]
A return to the Obama-era 20-year moratorium on copper mining in Minnesota, as advocated by some, should perhaps be accompanied by a 20-year moratorium on the development and adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicles, and by a concerted investment to find copper (and nickel) substitutes.
Read More: http://startribune.com/copper-mining-worries-many-many-also-use-copper/486883581/
St. Paul, Minn. (June 22, 2018) – Jobs for Minnesotans today released the following statement in response to comments by the President intending to rescind the mineral withdrawal proposal:
“This week’s statement by the President to rescind the mineral withdrawal proposal validates the existing environmental review process in both its thoroughness and efficacy. This announcement reaffirms that the proper time to evaluate potential impacts of mining projects is after a specific project has been proposed. We fully agree with the importance of upholding good process and recognize the importance of Minnesota’s 130-year mining history. Rescinding the proposal will correct an injustice by removing uncertainty for potential ferrous and nonferrous mining interests in the region, preserving the future of the responsible mining industry that creates careers for the next generation and invests in our communities.”
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 55,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 companies 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, Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
Cell: 218.590.6978
Star Tribune
Anne Williamson
[…]
Twin Metals also agrees with the Star Tribune Editorial Board’s call for “agencies to conduct a rigorous, technology-driven and independent analysis” of the proposal. The federal environmental-impact statement (EIS) process that has been in place since the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act in 1969 requires agencies to do exactly that. A similar state program has been in use since the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act was passed in 1973. These processes rely on rigorous review of detailed project engineering plans and site-specific, empirical environmental data. These are processes citizens can trust.
St. Paul, Minn. (June 18, 2018) – Jobs for Minnesotans today released the following statement in response to the U.S. passing bipartisan legislation for the land exchange between PolyMet Mining and the U.S. Forest Service:
“Last week we acknowledged the milestone that the closing on the PolyMet land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service has been scheduled for later this month. Today, we celebrate the bipartisan U.S. Senate vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the PolyMet land exchange. We fully recognize that this momentous vote moves us a step closer to full congressional affirmation of the U.S. Forest Service’s past decision on the land exchange. This will allow the project to move forward with certainty after rigorous input from the public through the environmental review process. We thank our senators for championing this legislation to date.”
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 55,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 companies 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, Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
Cell: 218.590.6978
Land Exchange Clears Senate, Keeping PolyMet on Course
Mesabi Daily News
Jerry Burnes
The U.S. Senate on Monday passed the National Defense Authorization Act, and with it, the PolyMet land exchange amendment proposed by Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., marking another step forward for the company.
Last week the Senate passed the amend in a cloture vote on the bill, on the same day, PolyMet received notice from the U.S. Forest Service that the land deal would close June 28.