Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL)

Back to profile

RELEASE: Sandstede and Ecklund statement on DNR move to ban Essar Steel from doing business with state

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicated it was moving forward to officially prohibit Essar Global, the parent company of the former Essar Steel Minnesota project, from conducting business with the state of Minnesota.
State Representative Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) and State Representative Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) jointly issued the following statement:

“This action shows the DNR and Governor Walz understand our state should only enter into arrangements with companies which have integrity and proven records. This is a step in the right direction after northern Minnesotans have waited patiently – too patiently, in fact – for economic gains that have been dangled in front of their eyes for many years. Meanwhile, we’ve been diligently working on a pathway past this debacle. Essar’s ongoing manipulation of this process has gone on long enough, suffocating any real prospect for new opportunities. After all we’ve been through, debarment of Essar is entirely appropriate.

“Make no mistake: this situation is complex. When it comes to developing our natural resources though, our constituents and others on the Iron Range deserve to deal with companies that operate with integrity, transparency, and that have the proven financial backing and experience to deliver on their promises. This action may be a signal that the tides are turning and it is our expectation that Essar will have no part in it.”