Rep. Roger Skraba Statement on Gov. Walz Executive Order Banning Mining in Iron Range

Rep. Roger Skraba Statement on Gov. Walz Executive Order Banning Mining in Iron Range

St. Paul, MN — State Representative Roger Skraba, R-Ely, issued the following statement today in response to Gov. Walz’s Executive Order effectively banning the mining of nonferrous metals on the Iron Range:

“Today’s decision by a lame-duck governor with one foot out the door is a devastating blow to the Iron Range and the entire Northland,” said Skraba. “Minnesota already has some of the strongest environmental protections and toughest permitting standards in the world. Instead of letting that process work, Gov. Walz is putting his thumb on the scale and shutting the door on responsible mining here at home. All that does is send these jobs and critical mineral production somewhere else, including countries with weaker environmental standards, weaker labor protections, and in some cases, countries that are openly hostile to the United States.

“Politicians in St. Paul shouldn’t be picking winners and losers or deciding the outcome before the process is finished. Northlanders are tired of having our future decided for us by leaders who don’t understand our communities, our people, or our way of life. Let the review process work, let our communities have a voice, and let the chips fall where they may.”