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April 16, 2026
Senate overturns mining moratorium in Minnesota
- The Senate voted 50-49 to overturn a 2023 mining moratorium set by President Joe Biden, enabling Twin Metals Minnesota to pursue mining in the Superior National Forest.
- Republicans, led by Rep. Pete Stauber, hailed the decision as a victory for local economic development, while Democrats and environmentalists warned it could harm the Boundary Waters.
- Opponents, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, argue that mining in the area poses a significant risk of pollution to one of America's most cherished wilderness regions.
3 Sources
- Senate votes to repeal Biden-era wilderness protections in Minnesota, sending bill to Trump’s deskApr 16, 2026 at 8:39 PM · The Hill
- Senate overturns Boundary Waters protections, a boon for Chilean mining companyApr 16, 2026 at 8:51 PM · CNBC
- Senate OKs CRA reversing Biden mining blockApr 16, 2026 at 11:32 PM · The Hill