Support for H.J. Res. 140, the Superior National Forest Mineral Withdrawal CRA Resolution

To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.J. Res. 140, the Superior National Forest Mineral Withdrawal CRA Resolution introduced by Rep. Stauber. The resolution disapproves of Public Land Order (PLO) 7917 to reverse the Biden Administration's mineral withdrawal decision in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota. This resolution is a critical step toward unlocking the vast potential of the Duluth Complex, which contains the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world. The deposit is home to 95% of America's nickel, 88% of America's cobalt, 75% of America's platinum, and more than one-third of America's copper.

The previous Administration's decision to institute a 20-year mineral withdrawal on 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest has effectively blocked the development of critical mineral resources in that region, including the Twin Metals project and other proposed hardrock mining and helium extraction projects. This withdrawal not only undermines our national and energy security but also hinders the ability to meet the U.S.'s ambitious infrastructure and clean energy goals.

H.J. Res. 140 does not immediately approve any specific project but instead reverses the mining ban, allowing proposed projects to proceed through the regulatory and permitting review process. This resolution ensures a level playing field, enabling projects to compete on their own merits while meeting strict permitting and environmental requirements at both the state and federal levels.

The Chamber supports H.J. Res. 140 and urges Congress to act swiftly to pass this resolution. Developing a strong, reliable domestic critical minerals supply chain is vital to America's future, and this resolution represents a necessary step in that direction.

Sincerely,

Marty Durbin
Senior Vice President, Policy
President, Global Energy Institute
U.S. Chamber of Commerce