ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township, introduced House Concurrent Resolution 1 today that affirms the Minnesota House of Representatives’ commitment to encouraging Minnesota’s technology and medical companies to utilize Minnesota-mined minerals when manufacturing products.
“As lawmakers and leaders in the Northland and on the Iron Range, we are committed to making sure that future generations of Rangers can grow up in a state that supports their communities, their future jobs, and their way of life,” said Igo. “This resolution is a simple way for all of us to reaffirm that commitment to the Iron Range as we explore ways to advocate for responsible, safe, and productive mining operations in Minnesota.”
The resolution reads in part:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota, the Senate concurring, that Minnesota's manufacturers of technologically advanced products, and companies that purchase them, including energy utilities, are strongly encouraged to conduct research into the origin of the products and materials that are part of their supply chains and to endeavor to support products made using Minnesota-mined minerals and that the State of Minnesota support research into technologies that, as with the taconite pelletizing process, enable economically marginal mineral resources to be fully utilized.
Igo continued, “With the amount of anti-mining policies that have been enacted and introduced at the state and federal levels in recent years, we need to make sure that we are standing strong for our communities and the hardworking men and women of labor. It’s time to stop outsourcing the production of the critical minerals we need for our future economy to China, Indonesia, and Africa. Let’s invest in the people of Minnesota.”
The resolution was signed by Reps. Roger Skraba, R-Ely, Ben Davis, R-Merrifield, Jeff Dotseth, R-Kettle River, and Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township.
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