Today, the Biden administration announced new efforts to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by beginning consideration of a 20-year mineral withdrawal of national forest land upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that will protect the beloved area from destructive mining operations. Since 2018, Earthjustice has represented The Wilderness Society, Izaak Walton League of America, and the Center for Biological Diversity to defend the Boundary Waters from the proposed Twin Metals Mine just outside its limits. In response to today’s announcement, Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Blaine Miller-McFeeley issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is a positive step toward protecting the Boundary Waters from self-interested mining companies that consistently put profits over people. With these actions, the Biden administration is recognizing what we’ve long known to be true: The Boundary Waters is more than protected wilderness. It is the lifeblood of the local economy, supports countless jobs, is an important source of drinking water, a vital habitat for a variety of species, and gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate the serenity and awe of one of the last truly wild places on earth.

“We are pleased the Biden administration is prioritizing science over politics and remain confident that completing the environmental review the Trump administration cut short will confirm the need to permanently protect the Boundary Waters from toxic mine pollution. The lives and livelihoods of the people who call the Boundary Waters area home are far more important than short-term mining profits.”

Earthjustice represents clients in ongoing litigation concerning the remaining two leases for the proposed Twin Metals Mine.