1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

As a constituent and a fellow Minnesotan, I am writing to express my urgent concern regarding the future of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn the 20-year federal moratorium on sulfide-ore copper mining in the Superior National Forest. This decision places one of our state’s most precious natural resources at immediate risk of toxic pollution. While federal protections are being dismantled, the State of Minnesota still holds the authority to protect our own waters. I urge you to introduce and support state legislation that would: • Establish a permanent state ban on sulfide-ore copper mining within the Boundary Waters watershed. • Strengthen state water quality standards to ensure that any proposed mining activity cannot proceed if it risks leaching sulfuric acid or heavy metals into our protected wilderness. The Boundary Waters is not just a federal landmark; it is the heart of Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, supporting thousands of local jobs and providing clean water for generations. We cannot rely on shifting federal policies to protect our home. I ask that you help to ensure the Boundary waters remains pristine forever so my children can enjoy it the same way my parents did.