Stauber Statement on Minnesota Court of Appeals Review of PolyMet Permits
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the below statement on the Minnesota Court of Appeals' decision regarding the NorthMet project.
"I am incredibly disappointed as today's decision will again needlessly delay a project that will bring decades of prosperity to northeast Minnesota. Families in our region have been waiting fifteen years for mining to begin at the NorthMet ore body and it is incredibly unfair to force them into another year of waiting.
"I applaud the Minnesota DNR for issuing permits based on sound science. It is unfortunate that the Minnesota Court of Appeals overruled these experts at our state agencies. I remain hopeful this misguided decision will be reversed, so that Minnesota's hardworking union members can begin construction on the PolyMet mine and responsibly source the copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group elements that are necessary for everyday life, our national security, and increased demand for renewable energy.
"With 21st century technology, mining and preserving the environment are not mutually exclusive. My constituents will mine these critical minerals under the strongest labor and environmental standards in the world.
"Rather than putting forward harmful anti-jobs lawsuits, let's support projects that will put our union members back to work. Instead of relying on countries with little or no labor and environmental standards, let's support our national and energy security by responsibly developing these critical resources here at home."
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