Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Floor Speech

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Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to a provision tucked away in the Republican's budget proposal that will open up the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to toxic sulfide-ore copper mining.

My husband and I take our kids camping and paddling in the Boundary Waters every year, and we are not alone. The Boundary Waters is the most visited wilderness area in the country. There is literally no other place like it on Earth. It is a major driver of the nearly $13.5 billion outdoor recreation economy in Minnesota.

All that is at risk if sulfide-ore copper mining is allowed in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. It is known as the most toxic industry in America, and it has never been done in Minnesota before.

The Republican majority is prioritizing the interests of an international Chilean mining conglomerate that has no interest or stake in the economy or well-being of Minnesotans.

They will extract our resources. They will pollute our air, land, and water. They will permanently damage our pristine Boundary Waters and leave Minnesotans to foot the bill for the cleanup.

Mr. Speaker, we should protect Minnesota's crown jewel and not destroy it.

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