Boundary Waters Kickoff Rally Press Release

Climate Justice Committee to Hold Rally and Press Conference Regarding Mining Ban Revocation (H.J. Res.140) and Border Lands Protection Act (S.2967)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Climate Justice Committee (CJC) condemns Pete Stauber and House Representatives who support HJ 140, a blatant, anti-democratic attack on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Minnesota public lands. A crucial vote on this resolution was delayed until later this month, and the Climate Justice Committee calls on all protectors of public lands to increase the pressure.

Stauber and his allies in the Trump administration are using the Congressional Review Act to reverse an active twenty year mining ban near the BWCA in northern Minnesota, and prevent similar bans in the future. If HJ 140 passes, it would allow mining companies like Chilean-owned Twin Metals to establish a copper-sulfide mine in a pristine wilderness that holds 20% of the freshwater in the US forest system. Copper-Sulfide Mines have a 100% failure rate for water protection due to the waste rock byproduct creating sulfuric acid when exposed to water. Common sense should dictate that there is an unacceptable level of risk placing these mines in or near the Boundary Waters. 

Copper sulfide mining is neither safe nor clean, and this mine won't bring lasting economic opportunities to the area. It’s clear Pete Stauber is content to sell out the future of Minnesota’s public lands, since HJ 140 provides a path for mining companies to permanently pollute the Boundary Waters for short term profit.

Pete Stauber is not the only congress person attempting to erase environmental protections from the Boundary Waters. Utah Sen. Mike Lee, introduced the Border Lands Conservation Act S.2967, a bill that provides the Department of Homeland Security complete freedom to build infrastructure and immigrant detention centers in the BWCA. The American people witnessed the environmental disaster DHS is capable of with Alligator Alcatraz in Florida’s Everglades. This detention center was forced to close due to DHS’s blatant disregard for environmental regulations. 

The Climate Justice Committee is calling on all Minnesotans to stand up for the Boundary Waters and a safe, sustainable future for all. We demand real protections for public lands. Join the CJC on Friday February 13th at 5 pm at 350 S 4th Street in Minneapolis to demand congress defend our public lands from toxic polluters and keep ICE out of the BWCA!