Legislation fast-tracks mining leases near BWCAW
The House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation seeking to reverse the ban on mineral leases for copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Mining interests praise the bill as a step toward restoring domestic production. Environmentalists, however, warn that a mine near the wilderness will inevitably pollute the watershed. The House of Representatives will now review the bill for consideration and hold a vote on it.