SAINT PAUL, Minn. – State Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) issued the following statement regarding the status of PolyMet Mining’s permitting:
“The PolyMet project has received an unprecedented level of review over 20 years and we are now nearing the finish line. After such a thorough review, we should allow the permitting process to proceed. To see attempts to halt progress, attempts which completely ignore the substantial scientific rigor, is profoundly disappointing.
“The EPA and MPCA exist to serve as neutral arbiters ensuring the process is completed with integrity. All along, the agencies have been in contact with one another, and in preparing the permit, the MPCA addressed 19 comments and 12 recommendations from the EPA. Which so much oversight of this entire process from several different state and federal agencies, clearly, no “scandal” exists.
“This should be seen as a positive of what we’re able to accomplish as Minnesotans. It’s unfortunate that project opponents are attempting to disgrace the rigor of this permitting process. The facts remain the facts and it’s time to let PolyMet proceed.”