House Republicans Continue Reversing Biden Regulations Jeopardizing National Security

WASHINGTON-Today, House Republicans voted to pass Rep. Pete Stauber's (R-Minn.) resolution, H.J. Res. 140. This legislation reverses a Biden-era action withdrawing more than 225,000 acres of federal land in northern Minnesota from mineral and geothermal leasing that is essential for U.S. manufacturing, defense, and energy security.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Stauber released the following statements:

"By locking up our lands, the Biden administration weakened our national security and drove energy prices through the roof for hardworking Americans," Chairwoman McClain said. "House Republicans are ripping out another reckless Biden regulation, putting America First, lowering costs, and finally restoring America's energy dominance."

"I'm thrilled the House has passed H.J. Res. 140 to repeal Biden's illegal mining ban that locked up 225,504 acres in Northern Minnesota, directly threatening our way of life. Growing up in the Northland, I've seen firsthand how these radical policies kill jobs and hurt families. This win allows for important proposed hardrock mining and helium projects to move forward in the state and federal permitting processes. The Iron Range mined the iron ore that helped this nation win two World Wars and I am confident we'll responsibly mine the critical minerals that will allow us to compete and win in the 21st Century," Rep. Stauber said.

In January 2023, the Biden Department of Interior (DOI) published a Public Land Order (PLO) putting in place a 20-year ban on mining and other responsible resource extraction across 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota.

PLO 7917 included a significant section of the Duluth Complex-one of the largest untapped mineral deposits in the world, containing 8 billion tons of copper and nickel as well as cobalt and platinum metal groups.

House Republicans have now reversed 24 Biden-era regulations.