Rep. Matt Bliss Statement on Gov. Walz Executive Order Banning Mining in Iron Range

Saint Paul, MN – State Representative Matt Bliss, R-Pennington, issued the following statement today in response to Gov. Walz’s Executive Order effectively banning the mining of nonferrous metals on the Iron Range:

“Governor Walz is once again making decisions from St. Paul that have serious consequences for the people of Northern Minnesota,” said Bliss. “Shutting down an entire industry on the Iron Range less than five months before leaving office is a reckless decision that ignores the economic impact on our communities. Minnesota has one of the most rigorous environmental review and permitting processes in the country. Projects should be evaluated through that process, not stopped before they ever have the opportunity to make their case. The people of the Iron Range work hard, contribute to our state’s economy, and deserve better than to have their livelihoods dictated by an executive order.”

“Amy Klobuchar needs to do more than offer a measured response while Northern Minnesota workers and communities are facing a direct threat to their livelihoods. The people of the Iron Range deserve to know where their leaders stand. If Klobuchar truly supports Northern Minnesota workers, she should make that support clear and unequivocal. Our miners, families, and communities deserve a strong voice, not silence when it matters most.”