SAINT PAUL, Minn. – State Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) issued the following statement regarding the status of PolyMet Mining’s permitting:
“I strongly disagree with the new efforts to delay PolyMet. For generations, the people of the Iron Range have mined materials for products used in our everyday lives, and the PolyMet project will be no exception. After meeting some of the most rigorous standards of any project ever proposed in our state, I join with our communities in proudly supporting it moving forward to continue our region’s rich heritage. Permits would never have been issued if it didn’t meet these standards, and that’s an indisputable fact. Every single step of this process should be based in science and the law. Further, the non-partisan Legislative Auditor is conducting a review regarding any transparency concerns. That office has a well-earned reputation for fairness and that effort should be allowed to proceed without interference.
“People of the Iron Range have been waiting patiently for this project and the jobs that come with it. Minnesota’s permitting process demonstrates we can perform this mining in a way that not only creates good-paying jobs, but will protect our treasured clean water resources. I will continue to educate, advocate and fight for our way of life and put people of the Iron Range before politics.”