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Senator Smith Protests Mining Ban Lift in Minnesota

4/16/2026

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Story summary
  • U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced plans to protest a Senate vote on a resolution ending the Biden Administration's 20-year mining ban on the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA).
  • Smith argues that proposed mining poses unacceptable environmental risks and could violate tribal treaty rights.
  • Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) supports the resolution and says it would spur economic growth and responsible mineral development, underscoring Minnesota's environmental protection versus economic opportunity divide.