Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) today sent a letter asking the U.S. Forest Service to complete a study that will demonstrate why lands nearby the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness should not be mined. Earthjustice has for years represented Minnesota-based clients to defend the cherished Boundary Waters from the harmful impacts of nearby mining.

In response, Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Blaine Miller-McFeeley released the following statement:

“The previous administration wasn’t interested in finishing a federal study regarding the impacts on mining near the Boundary Waters because they knew that the study would not yield the results needed to realize their toxic mining dreams. We are grateful to Senator Smith for her leadership in calling for the completion of the study, and publicly defending the pristine Minnesota wilderness. We look forward to working with the Senator and her team in the future so that this special area can one day be permanently protected.”