Today, Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Western Caucus Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statements following passage of H.R. 3195, the Superior National Forest Restoration Act. This bill overturns the Biden Administration’s political decision to withdraw over 225,000 acres of mineral-rich land and cancel existing mineral leases in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Stauber and passed by a bipartisan vote of 212 - 203.
“The United States is blessed with vast mineral deposits, yet the Biden Administration continues to lock up our resources and look abroad to supply our mineral needs,” said Chairman Newhouse. “Northern Minnesota in particular has vast nickel, cobalt and copper reserves that could help America achieve mineral security and decrease reliance on Communist China. That’s why it’s unconscionable that the Biden Administration caved to extreme environmentalists and banned mining in over 200,000 acres of public lands in Minnesota, especially at a time when mineral demand is rising. Thank you, Vice Chair Stauber, for your dedication to securing America’s mineral supply chains and congratulations on the passage of this important legislation to overturn this mining moratorium.”
“Today’s House passage of my Superior National Forest Restoration Act is great news for our state and nation,” said Vice Chair Stauber. “Instead of flat-out rejecting any mining project from developing the Duluth Complex located within the Superior National Forest, it is important to allow project-specific reviews that are based on the facts and science to take place. My legislation will remove the obstacles put in place by the Biden Administration, allowing our skilled miners to prove that they are ready to safely deliver Minnesota’s mineral wealth to the nation using the best environmental and labor standards in the world. As the demand for minerals continues to skyrocket, we must invest in mineral production here at home rather than continue our dependence on child slave labor and environmentally damaging adversaries overseas. I urge Senator Schumer to bring this important job-creating legislation to the Senate Floor immediately.”
This legislation:
- Overturns the Biden Administration’s mineral withdrawal in over 225,000 acres in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota.
- Restores mineral rights to prospective developers in the area.
- Requires the prompt review of any Mine Plans of Operations for potential future development.
Read the full text of the bill
here.
