ST. PAUL, MN—Chairman Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, of the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee, issued the following statement regarding the release of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on PolyMet Mining Inc.'s proposed NorthMet mine project in northeastern Minnesota. The process was a collaborative effort by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"This report is a big step in the right direction for the people of Minnesota, and especially families and communities on the Iron Range. I'm confident that the data in this report will show that we can bring good-paying jobs to the Iron Range and boost Minnesota's economy while still protecting the environment," Chair Hackbarth said. "At more than 3,000 pages it's evident that the DNR and all the other agencies have been extremely thorough in their review of PolyMet's proposal. It's our hope that the project can continue to move forward through the process and not be delayed by unnecessary roadblocks. The families who need the well-paying jobs PolyMet will create have waited long enough."
Chair Hackbarth and Mining Committee members visited the proposed mine site in June as part of a legislative tour of the Iron Range. During the tour it was clear that the people of Greater Minnesota were eagerly anticipating the release of the final EIS.
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