Walz Signs Executive Order Restricting Mining Near Boundary Waters
The order directs state agencies to halt new leases and permits as officials cite threats to wilderness, water and nearly $1 billion in recreation activity.
- On Tuesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 26-10, directing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to halt new environmental reviews and permitting for nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed.
- This action follows Congress's vote four months ago to overturn a 20-year federal ban on mining in the Boundary Waters region, which opened the door to renewed copper and nickel extraction proposals.
- Under the order, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency must stop issuing new state mineral leases and "strictly enforce" compliance on existing ones within the watershed.
- Governor Walz stated the order protects an outdoor recreation economy worth nearly $1 billion and the Boundary Waters wilderness, saying "The science is clear: copper mining and the Boundary Waters cannot safely coexist."
- While these restrictions primarily apply to state-controlled lands rather than federal territories, the administration plans to draft legislation aiming to permanently prohibit nonferrous mining in the watershed for long-term protection.
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Beloit Daily NewsMinnesota governor signs order to slow down any mining efforts near Boundary Waters wilderness
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday said the state would not review or process permits on proposed mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness…
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vows to slow mining efforts in 'sacred' Boundary Waters wilderness
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday said the state would not review or process permits on proposed mining projects in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, four months after the U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump's administration lifted a federal ban.
Minnesota Gov. Walz Blocks Boundary Waters Mining That Congress Voted to Allow
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order on Aug. 18 barring state agencies from advancing copper and nickel mining projects in the watershed that feeds the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, four months after Congress voted to repeal a 20-year federal ban on mining in the same region. Executive Order 26-10 from the Democratic governor directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Age…
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