Sheehy Statement on Boundary Waters CRA

U.S. SENATE - Senator Tim Sheehy issued the following statement on his support for House Joint Resolution 140, nullifying Public Land Order 7917:

"Today I voted for H.J. Res. 140, which rescinds the excessive mineral withdrawal that was enacted in 2023. I have engaged in deep consultation with environmental experts, activist groups, community members, and elected leaders on both sides of this issue. But most importantly, I have spent time speaking directly to residents who live full time near Ely. As with all votes, I do not take this one lightly.

"As someone who grew up canoeing the Boundary Waters and is an avid public lands user, advocate, and defender, I spent ample time engaging with all sides of this issue. Let's be clear: this resolution does NOT approve mining in the Boundary Waters. It removes the irresponsible withdrawal of mineral rights that was enacted under the Biden administration in an extremely aggressive use of a Public Land Order that contrasted with the will of local elected officials and most community members who support the mining industry in their town. This Public Land Order was not done with the arc of conservation in mind, nor was it done with the unanimous buy-in of community leaders as has been advertised. It was issued from Washington, D.C., with the express purpose of killing a potential mining project.

"A potential mine will still have to go through the incredibly rigorous permitting process, NEPA, public comment, and environmental review that any mine must comply with before mining can commence. The opposition to this potential mine has been fierce from many corners, and much of that resistance is rooted in genuine concern for the watershed and the incredible ecosystem which is the Boundary Waters. However, a large volume of the opposition is also not based locally, fundamentally uninformed on the project, and is being organized and funded by people thousands of miles away who have never put a paddle in the Boundary Waters or set foot in Northern Minnesota.

"As an ardent defender of our public lands, I will work in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues to closely monitor the permitting and environmental review of this proposed project and ensure it complies with all applicable best practices and statutes.

"For decades, the United States has systematically eradicated the mining industry from America, sending these projects to Africa, South America, Asia, and other areas around the world where environmental oversight is zero, child labor is rampant, and regulation is lax. America mines better and cleaner than anyone else in the world, and we should proudly support responsible mining projects."