Oppose HJ 140 to Protect Boundary Waters, Regional Economy, and Public Lands

I am writing to urge you to oppose HJ 140, which would threaten the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, other wilderness areas and public lands, and the sustainable economy of northeastern Minnesota. Sulfide-ore copper mining has never been conducted in Minnesota, and for good reason. This type of mining generates waste rock containing sulfates that transform into sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water, leaching heavy metals and toxins into surrounding water systems. The proposed mining operations would occur in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters, where peer-reviewed scientific research demonstrates that pollution would cause permanent damage to the extensively interconnected downstream lakes, rivers, and groundwater systems. Furthermore, this would set a dangerous precedent for public lands in the future- If Congress overturns this using the CRA, it could allow lawmakers to retroactively attack ANY public land protection, paving the way for mining, drilling & development nationwide. This is something that public and your constituents have strongly indicated they DO NOT want. The economic case against this mining is overwhelming. A 2018 Harvard study found that a 20-year mining ban would generate up to 4,500 more jobs and $900 million more in personal income to the local area compared to the proposed Twin Metals mine. The region currently supports a $16 billion economy built on a healthy wilderness. More than 350 businesses in the Boundary Waters Business Coalition support protecting the area from mining, recognizing that sulfide-ore copper mining would jeopardize this sustainable economic model. In the direct path of pollution alone, over thirty businesses including outfitters, camps, and resorts would face devastation if mining proceeds. These are permanent, sustainable jobs that depend on clean water and intact wilderness, not temporary extraction operations that leave permanent environmental damage- the product of which would go to foreign interests!! The Boundary Waters contains some of the cleanest water in the region, serving as critical habitat for Canada Lynx, Loons, wolves, moose, and numerous other species. Historical evidence consistently shows that heavy metal mining causes pollution through sulfuric acid, heavy metals, mercury, arsenic, and lead contamination. I urge you to oppose HJ 140 and protect both the environmental integrity and economic prosperity of northeastern Minnesota, and other regions containing vital public lands.