(KNOX/WCCO) –Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order to ban nonferrous mining in the Boundary Waters area.
The order directs the Department of Natural Resources and the Pollution Control Agency to stop issuing leases and permits in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. The order also directs the DNR to review all current leases, where it’s being reported that there are currently 38 active leases.
Walz says this executive order will protect the boundary waters for future generations.
Minnesota House Speaker and GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Lisa Demuth called out the Governor’s executive order. She says it’s disheartening.
The action comes months after Congress’s vote to overturn a 20-year ban on mining in the area, which allows new copper and nickel mining proposals.
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