Boundary Waters Protection: Mineral Mining Ban for Clean Water
This act aims to permanently protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. It establishes a permanent ban on copper, nickel, and other metal mining in the region, ensuring clean water and air and preserving nature. This will allow residents and tourists to continue enjoying this unique area, and local tourism will gain stability and growth.
Key points
Permanent Mineral Mining Ban: The act permanently withdraws approximately 225,504 acres of federal land from copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, gold, and silver mining, protecting water resources and the environment.
Water Resource Protection: The goal is to prevent water pollution, including acid mine drainage, which could harm the lakes and rivers in the region, crucial for fresh water supplies.
Support for Tourism and Jobs: Protecting the area is intended to support the local economy based on tourism and recreation, anticipating an increase in jobs and income over the next 20 years.
Exceptions for Sand, Gravel, Granite, Iron Ore, and Taconite: The Chief of the Forest Service may permit the removal of these materials if it does not harm water quality, air quality, and forest health.
Introduced
Citizen Poll