1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

It is critical that we act now to permanently protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from the severe risks posed by sulfide-ore copper mining. The Boundary Waters is a unique and irreplaceable natural treasure that provides unparalleled recreational opportunities and is an ecological gem. However, sulfide-ore copper mining in this fragile area carries an unacceptable risk of toxic pollution that could devastate the pristine waters and surrounding ecosystem. The proposed Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act would safeguard over 234,000 acres of federal lands and waters within the Superior National Forest from the threats of sulfide-ore copper mining. This would preserve the Boundary Waters for future generations while still allowing other forms of responsible mining elsewhere in Minnesota. Protecting this wilderness aligns with our values of environmental stewardship and respecting Indigenous sovereignty, as the legislation has broad support from tribes like the Minnesota Chippewa. With the Boundary Waters facing an existential threat, we must take decisive action to uphold our commitment to conservation and public lands protection. I urge you to cosponsor and vote for this crucial legislation to permanently ban sulfide-ore copper mining in the Boundary Waters watershed.