Warwas: Walz Betrays Northeastern Minnesota, Abandons Science-Based Mining Review
Virginia, MN – State Representative Cal Warwas today condemned Governor Tim Walz’s executive order blocking nonferrous mining development in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, calling it a betrayal of Northeastern Minnesota and a stunning reversal from the Governor’s previous commitment to science-based permitting.
“For years, Governor Walz told us that mining projects should follow the science, meet Minnesota’s standards and go through the process,” Warwas said. “Today, he abandoned all three. Instead of trusting his own DNR and MPCA professionals to do their jobs, he predetermined the outcome with the stroke of a pen.”
The decision comes just months after Walz’s own Department of Natural Resources concluded that existing state and federal protections were adequate to protect the Boundary Waters from potential water, air and other impacts from nonferrous mining, while identifying noise and light issues for additional consideration.
“This isn't the conclusion of a mining company or political organization; it came from Governor Walz’s own DNR,” Warwas said. “If a project cannot meet Minnesota’s standards, it should not receive a permit, but apparently when the science and legal process no longer produced the political outcome Governor Walz wanted, neither mattered anymore.”
Warwas also criticized the political fundraising attached to Walz’s announcement. After declaring that his executive order would stop mining “FOR GOOD,” Walz immediately asked supporters to contribute $15 to help continue the fight by donating to his “Small Town PAC.”
“The Governor is shamefully taking economic opportunity away from small towns, skilled labor, and working families in Northeastern Minnesota and then using that decision to raise political money,” Warwas said. “Our livelihoods, our communities and our future should never become props for Tim Walz’s political ambitions.”
“Northeastern Minnesota has the resources, workforce and expertise to help lead America into a new era of responsible critical-mineral development. We can protect our land and water while producing the minerals our country needs. I will continue fighting to make sure the Iron Range gets that opportunity.”
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