Rep. Pete Stauber, the freshman Congressman representing Minnesota’s Eighth District, has not wasted any time in promoting the PolyMet copper-nickel mine proposal. The Republican was elected last November, replacing retiring representative Rick Nolan.
Stauber campaigned on his support for new copper-nickel mining in the region, and pledged quick action to support PolyMet. After introducing H.R.527, the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2019, yesterday, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
“Minnesota is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that puts us in a unique position to not just ensure that the United States remains competitive on a global level, but also to create good paying jobs for hardworking folks here at home,” said Stauber. “Like all Minnesotans, I treasure our state’s natural beauty. With 21st century technology, responsible mining and preserving the environment are not mutually exclusive. We can and must do both, and I am proud that my first piece of legislation will help unleash the economic engine in our state.”
This week, Stauber introduced legislation to ensure a land exchange goes through that provides the mining company with 6,700 acres of Superior National Forest land. The company has already completed the exchange, trading land it has acquired elsewhere with the Forest Service.
Five other representatives have already signed on as co-sponsors, including three from Minnesota: Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN-6), Collin Peterson (D-MN-7), Paul Gosar (R-AZ-4), Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4), and Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-1).
The legislation is intended to override four lawsuits currently in the court system, which challenge the legality of the exchange, saying it undervalued the public land, and threatens habitat for endangered species.
Despite being from a different party than his predecessor, the legislation is very similar to bills Nolan introduced, but which failed to advance. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith also supported the exchange efforts.