McCollum Statement on Obama Administration Action to Save the Boundary Waters

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the United States Departments of Agriculture and the Interior announced the denial of Twin Metals’ leases for copper-sulfide mining in the Rainy River Drainage Basin and the start of a process to withdraw federal lands in the area from mining:

“For decades, Minnesotans and Americans have turned to our Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park as treasured areas of unparalleled natural beauty and unsurpassed recreational opportunities.

“Today’s decision to halt the current threat of dangerous, environmentally risky sulfide-ore copper mining is a major victory for our state and our environment.

“Working with Governor Dayton and a grassroots coalition of Minnesotans and Americans, we have fought to conserve the million acres and thousand lakes that form these national treasures. I am delighted that Secretaries Tom Vilsack and Sally Jewell have acted to save our Boundary Waters.

“While all Minnesotans should celebrate today’s victory, we have more work to do. I will keep advocating for the full withdrawal of these federal lands from mining, including fighting for legislation in Congress that will protect our Boundary Waters forever.”