Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has faced criticism for opposing President Donald Trump on a significant energy policy. Walz issued an executive order on Tuesday to prevent mining permits and leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeast Minnesota. A portion of this area falls under federal jurisdiction. This action comes after Trump signed legislation in April that overturned a previous order from the Biden administration, which blocked new mining leases near the Boundary Waters for 20 years.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, representing Minnesota, called Walz’s decision “stupid” and “dangerous,” expressing concern about energy and mineral dependency on other countries. “This lame duck loser is trying to make us more energy and mineral-dependent on our adversaries,” Emmer told Fox News Digital.
“This order would harm Minnesota and good union jobs in northern Minnesota,” Emmer said, “and put our national defense at risk with our enemies, adversaries like Communist China.”
The legislation quickly moved through Congress before reaching Trump’s desk, with Republican Representative Pete Stauber leading the effort. Walz’s order impacts the mining of metals such as copper and nickel, essential for various applications, including boat components, electric vehicles, military equipment, and electronics.
Northeastern Minnesota hosts the largest known unexplored source of nickel and copper in North America, known as the Duluth Complex. Emmer argued that not utilizing these resources disadvantages the U.S. compared to China’s metal mining industry. Mining within the Boundary Waters is already prohibited, but environmental groups praised Walz’s order. They caution that mining outside of it could still harm the protected inner area.
Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Save The Boundary Waters, expressed concerns in a statement:
The federal government weakened protections earlier this year by stripping away measures supported by thousands of Minnesotans, neglecting science and public opinion. Our governor is acting in the best interest of Minnesota, preventing toxic copper mining from entering the Boundary Waters’ headwaters, and urging statewide legislative action for permanent protection. Thank you, Governor, for taking steps to safeguard the Boundary Waters today, and to establish a foundation for future protection.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer addressed the support from environmental groups by dismissing it as a “false argument.” He stated, “Every one of us is an environmentalist. We all care about clean water and air.”
Emmer emphasized the need for responsible mining in Minnesota under strict environmental laws:
“I argue that our environmental laws are the most stringent worldwide, ensuring safety for both workers and the environment. By suggesting foreign mining under less rigorous standards, you undermine efforts to leave the world in better condition.”
Fox News Digital sought a response from Walz’s office. Elizabeth Elkind covers politics for Fox News Digital, focusing on the House of Representatives. Her previous work appeared at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Leave a Reply