House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) has introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution aimed at reversing the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw 225,504 acres of land in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest from mineral exploration and development.
Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the move, stating, “Northern Minnesota is blessed with vast resources that can help America secure our critical mineral supply chains, end reliance on foreign adversarial nations, and power our 21st-century economy. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration made the political decision to withdraw over 225,000 acres of mineral-rich lands from development, jeopardizing our mineral security and costing thousands of good-paying jobs. I would like to thank Representative Stauber for introducing this resolution to reverse this mining ban and unleash American mineral dominance.”
Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber said, “Northern Minnesota's Iron Range mined the iron that won this nation two World Wars, and we have the opportunity to lead America's mineral security that will allow us to compete and win in the 21st Century. Reversing the Biden Administration's illegal mining ban will allow us to do just that. I'm proud to introduce H.J. Res. 140 to stand up for good-paying, union jobs, fight back against China and other foreign adversarial nations, and protect our way of life in Northern Minnesota.”
The Duluth Complex in northern Minnesota contains significant deposits of minerals considered critical for U.S. supply chains. Development of this area could provide a substantial portion of America’s nickel, cobalt, copper reserves, as well as platinum-group resources.
In January 2022, the Biden administration canceled longstanding mineral leases held by Twin Metals Minnesota. The following year saw Public Land Order 7917 signed by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland which withdrew approximately 225,504 acres in Superior National Forest headwaters from federal mineral leasing for two decades.
Supporters of overturning these actions argue that they disregard years of environmental review processes and public input favoring continued development.
If enacted under the Congressional Review Act process, Stauber’s resolution would nullify PLO 7917 and prevent similar future withdrawals affecting federal mineral leasing in this region.
