1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

The proposed bill (the "Superior National Forest Restoration Act") to force our state to allow mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) poses a significant risk to the region's pristine waters and fragile ecosystem. As a vast interconnected watershed, any potential contamination from mining activities could irreversibly damage this national treasure of ours. We must prioritize safeguarding the BWCAW's unspoiled natural resources over extractive industries that prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental preservation. I urge you to uphold the existing mining ban, reject the deceivingly titled "Superior National Forest Restoration Act", and to protect this invaluable ecological national treasure for current and future generations. More than 70% of Minnesotans want to protect the area from sulfide-ore copper mining. I would ask that you also support Rep. McCollum's bill to permanently protect Minnesota's BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining projects in our headwaters as well as our only National Park in Minnesota.