ST. PAUL – House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee chairman Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, issued the following statement following the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' final environmental impact statement for a proposed NorthMet mine project in northeastern Minnesota. The DNR deemed the environmental impact statement "adequate," meaning the permitting process for Polymet can now proceed.
"This has been a long, drawn-out process and it is good to see common sense finally prevailed," Hackbarth said. "This is encouraging news for families on the Iron Range, and will mean hundreds of good-paying jobs if the permitting process is successful. Some 90,000 staff hours went into creating this impact statement so, suffice to say, due diligence has been conducted. I hope the Governor and his agencies will remain impartial and allow the permitting process to continue without undue interference. House Republicans remain committed to finding long-term solutions to grow and sustain a healthy economy on the Iron Range."
The House Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee will continue to discuss short and long-term economic efforts on the Iron Range during a meeting today's committee hearing in Room 5 of the State Office Building.
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