1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am contacting you today because I am seriously concerned about what is happening in Congress. This is important to me because what's happening right now could permanently change protections for beloved wilderness areas. With everything else going on, this quietly moved forward today while most people weren't paying attention... and I am dismayed. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 140, a resolution that would undo a ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness and throughout the surrounding watershed in northern Minnesota. That ban existed for a reason. The land drains directly into the Boundary Waters, and protecting it meant protecting clean water, wildlife, and an outdoor economy that thousands of peo ple rely on. If this becomes law, a mine doesn't appear overnight, but the proverbial door is thrown open. It would clear the path for copper-nickle sulfide mining near the Boundary Waters' headwaters. This kind of mining has a long track record of polluting water through acid mine drainage and heavy metals, damage that can last for generations. Once water is contaminated, there's no undo button and the Boundary Waters is exactly the kind of place that deserves better. Now that ths moves to the Senate, you will decide whether this rollback stands or stops here. I urge you to oppose H.J. Res. 140. Please protect our clean water and wilderness areas across this great country. Public lands really do matter.