U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has highlighted a recent New York Times article in which descendants of President Teddy Roosevelt urged lawmakers to oppose a resolution that would permit mining activities near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The Senate is set to review H.J. Res. 140, a measure that would remove existing protections for the Boundary Waters. If passed, this resolution would allow mining and mineral extraction close to the wilderness area. Supporters of current protections argue that opening up the area to mining could endanger local wildlife and jeopardize thousands of jobs as well as millions in economic revenue generated by the region.
The proposed resolution specifically affects lands targeted by Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Chilean mining company Antofagasta. Critics have raised concerns about Antofagasta’s environmental track record. Additionally, minerals extracted from these lands are expected to be processed overseas, likely in China, which some say conflicts with the Administration’s stated “America First” policy.
Senator Heinrich stated: “Our public lands are our shared inheritance, and that includes the Boundary Waters.” He continued: “Stand with Teddy Roosevelt’s family—speak out to protect what belongs to all of us.”
