UPDATE: The U.S. Senate today (April 16) approved a resolution that would lift a mining ban from an area near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Removing the mining ban from the area nearby, but outside the BWCA, does not permit a mine. Any such mine, including Twin Metals proposed copper-nickel mine, would need to follow the standard environmental review process at both the state and federal levels. This issue appears to be a significant factor for any Independents or Republicans who otherwise oppose Rep. Pete Stauber’s use of the Congressional Review Act to advance his resolution, or the notion of lifting the mining ban altogether.

In an hours-long speech, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota urged her colleagues in the Senate to not support Stauber’s resolution. Using the CRA is dangerous for public lands across America, she said, while also noting that a mine that produces toxic waste is a terrible idea so close to the most-visited wilderness in the nation.

Smith spoke until nearly 11 p.m. Wednesday (April 15) to share sentiments from Minnesotans, BWCA enthusiasts, and her own concerns about lifting the mining ban. Smith closed her marathon speech on the Senate floor with a plea to her colleagues. Smith said she hopes the Senate makes what she considers to be the only choice it has, or at least the right choice through her lens, when it reconvenes for a vote Thursday morning.

“A good decision not only for my home state of Minnesota and this precious place, but for the good of the whole country and the protection of our public lands and the integrity of our democracy.”

Meanwhile, Stauber seemed optimistic the bill would pass, telling numerous TV stations in the Twin Cities Wednesday night in a prepared statement that he is “excited that the Senate is expected to pass my Congressional Review Act resolution soon, repealing Biden’s illegal mining ban in the Superior National Forest and opening the door for the responsible development of critical minerals, helium, and other natural resources that will allow us to compete in the 21st century. The passage of this legislation is not an automatic green light for any proposed project. This CRA puts an end to the back-and-forth uncertainty created by harmful political games that have delayed prosperity in our area for far too long. Now, established federal and state permitting processes will determine the outcome.”

In this P&P video, we share highlights from Wednesday’s discussion on the Senate floor. Featured are Minnesota Senators Smith, Amy Klobuchar, and New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich.