Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

The vote clears the path for Twin Metals to reapply to open an underground copper mine near Ely, just outside the wilderness area. Conservation groups argue mining in the region poses an unacceptable pollution threat.

MPR News (www.mprnews.org)

Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

The U.S. Senate has voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining on about 350 square miles of federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, paving the way for Twin Metals to renew efforts to open an underground copper mine near Ely, on the doorstep of the wilderness area.

All Democrats opposed it, including Minnesota U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. Two Republicans broke ranks and voted against the proposal: Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

republicans are determined to eliminate, in the name of capitalism and profit, anything protective of public land and public health even if profits go to a foreign corporation.

#environment #trump #republicans #mining #conservation