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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen

Friday, August 18, 2017

Dear Friends,

 

Many of you are aware of the ongoing battle that is being waged against our mining and logging industries in Minnesota. Below is a link to an article from the Center of the American Experiment explaining how the Dayton administration' policies on mining and logging hurts Minnesota's environment and economy, and creates a serious fire hazard in Northern Minnesota.

https://www.americanexperiment.org/2017/08/opposition-logging-mining-undermine-northern-minnesotas-economy-global-environment/

 

The Northern part of our state has a great and long-standing heritage of mining and logging. Recently, one of the world’s largest precious metals deposits was discovered in our state, which according to the U of M's geology department it is valued at over $2 trillion. We have an opportunity to continue these essential industries in our state, but state and federal regulations seem focused on preventing this.

Governor Dayton and Metro Democratic members have consistently opposed mining projects on environmental grounds, even though the rural communities that would be employed by these projects support them. Northern Minnesota has a track record of balancing environmental concerns with a healthy utilization of natural resources; they should be trusted to do what is right for their environment and community. Modern technology in mining and logging can benefit Minnesota's economy and be environmentally safe.

Opposition by the Dayton administration of the Twin Metals project, and other mining proposals, makes his position abundantly clear: Dayton will choose radical environmental special interests over mining jobs and communities every time.

Federal opposition has grown as well. In December 2016, under the Obama administration and after November’s election, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service refused to renew mineral leases in Minnesota and began withdrawing more than 400,000 acres from exploration for possible resource projects. If these actions are allowed to stand, it could mean job loss and increased economic hardship in Northern Minnesota, and have a lasting negative impact on economic opportunities for all Minnesotans. Hopefully, the Trump administration will reverse the unreasonable denial of these leases.

At the state level, we must demand that Governor Dayton look to the economic wellbeing of our Northern neighbors and all Minnesotans, instead radical environmental special interest groups who refuse to acknowledge technological advances, and whose actions in some cases actually endanger our environment.

Sincerely,

 

Glenn