Dear Friends and Neighbors, I hope you're having a great summer. Before Minnesota's legislative election blackout period begins, I wanted to send one final update on a project that is especially important to northeastern Minnesota and our state's future. Below, you'll find information about the Tamarack mining project's latest milestone, including opportunities to participate in the public review process, along with a brief note about the upcoming pause in these legislative newsletters. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to stay informed. Public Comment Period Opens for Tamarack Mining Project The proposed Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project has reached another important milestone as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened the public comment period for the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). I want to congratulate Talon Metals on reaching this stage after years of environmental studies, engineering work, and collaboration with regulators, Tribal governments, technical experts, and local communities. Their commitment to advancing the project through Minnesota's rigorous environmental review process is an important step toward responsibly developing our state's critical mineral resources. The Tamarack project has the potential to create high-paying jobs, strengthen Minnesota's economy, and help secure a domestic supply of the critical minerals needed for manufacturing, energy, and national security. Before any permitting decisions are made, however, Minnesotans have an opportunity to help shape the environmental review by providing input on the issues and impacts that should be studied. The DNR will accept public comments through September 14, with public meetings scheduled for August 5 in McGregor and August 12 in Blaine. I encourage anyone interested in the project to review the materials, attend a meeting if possible, and participate in the process. Public input is an important part of ensuring this project is developed responsibly and transparently.   Learning from Global Leaders in Nuclear Energy Although the legislative session has ended, work continues on one of the initiatives I was proud to lead this year. During the 2026 session, I authored legislation establishing Minnesota's first comprehensive nuclear energy study in decades to help evaluate the role nuclear power could play in meeting our state's future energy needs. As part of that effort, I recently traveled to France, a global leader in nuclear energy, to see firsthand how modern nuclear technology is developed and used. During the visit, I toured nuclear manufacturing facilities, learned about fuel reprocessing, and met with industry experts to better understand how reliable, affordable nuclear energy has helped strengthen France's electric grid and energy independence. The knowledge gained from this trip will help inform Minnesota's ongoing nuclear study as we examine emerging technologies, including small modular reactors, and evaluate how they could fit into our state's long-term energy strategy. My goal is simple: ensure Minnesota makes future energy decisions based on sound research, proven technologies, and reliable data so we can provide affordable, dependable energy for families, businesses, and communities across our state.  A Final Update on the Permanent School Fund Amendment As many of you know, I've shared updates over the past several months about the bipartisan legislation I authored to strengthen long-term funding for Minnesota's public schools. With this being my final newsletter before the legislative blackout period, I wanted to provide one last update before the proposal appears on the November ballot. The constitutional amendment would modernize how Minnesota's Permanent School Fund is managed, allowing more of the fund's investment earnings to be distributed to school districts while preserving the fund's long-term financial health. Rather than creating a new tax, the proposal makes better use of an existing state resource that has supported Minnesota students since statehood. This legislation received bipartisan support in the House and Senate before being signed into law by Governor Walz earlier this year. Because it amends the Minnesota Constitution, the final decision now rests with Minnesota voters. I'm proud of the broad coalition that came together to advance this proposal, including legislators from both parties, the School Trust Lands Commission, tribal leaders, and education stakeholders. It's a thoughtful, fiscally responsible approach to providing more stable, sustainable funding for Minnesota classrooms while protecting this important resource for generations to come. A Final Note Before the Blackout Period As we move into the second half of summer, this will be my final legislative newsletter until after the November election. Under Minnesota law, legislators are prohibited from using taxpayer-funded resources to send newsletters and other mass communications during the election blackout period. While these weekly updates will pause for a few months, my work representing the Northland will not. I'll continue meeting with constituents, visiting communities across the district, attending local events, and preparing for the next legislative session. The conversations I have during the interim help shape the priorities I bring back to St. Paul, and I always appreciate hearing directly from the people I represent. Thank you for following these updates throughout the legislative session and the months that followed. Whether we've connected at the Capitol, at a community event, or somewhere around the district, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Although you won't receive another legislative newsletter for a while, my office remains open and available to assist with state agencies, answer questions, and help with constituent services. Please don't hesitate to reach out by phone or email, or stop and say hello if you see me out in the community. I look forward to staying connected and sharing more updates in the months ahead. |