Sen. Tina Smith plans to oppose the legislation if it reaches the Senate.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican control in Washington could open the way for copper nickel mining efforts near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. GOP Rep. Pete Stauber, who represents northeastern Minnesota, has again introduced a bill that would reinstate mineral leases in the Superior National Forest.
With Republicans controlling the House and Senate, and President Donald Trump’s push to prioritize domestic mining, he likes his chances. Stauber said that “without question,” the president will sign it into law if it reaches his desk.
The House passed his bill last year largely along party lines and will likely do so again. The question will be whether it can clear the Senate, which Republicans narrowly control. The legislation did not get a vote last year when Democrats controlled the Senate.
For the rest of this article: https://www.startribune.com/pete-stauber-bwca-mining/601218312