Resolution Number 13-14 Opposing PEIS
RESOLUTION NUMBER 13-14
OPPOSING A PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT IN THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST
WHEREAS, The City of Mountain Iron understands that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is being asked to conduct a duplicative Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the Superior National Forest (SNF) that would cause unnecessary delays and could affect not only future mining opportunities, but current mining and associated operations; and
WHEREAS, Proposed nonferrous mining projects and other mines within the SNF are already subject to rigorous and responsible environmental oversight by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and relevant federal agencies; and
WHEREAS, The City of Mountain Iron has declared its support for the existing open, transparent, and comprehensive environmental review and permitting process in place for the various nonferrous mining initiatives planned for development on the Iron Range, and supports the success of these projects contingent upon approval of all state and federal permits necessary; and
WHEREAS, None of these strategic metals mining projects will achieve permits to mine without approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and relevant federal agencies; and
WHEREAS, The Iron Range legislative delegation is opposed to the proposed PEIS because of its unnecessary cost, redundancy and negative effect on mining and related jobs in the region; and
WHEREAS, The Iron Range legislative delegation has asked the USDA not to accept or move forward with the dilatory PEIS; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan has met with high level USFS representatives and has expressed his strong opposition to a PEIS; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota’s and the Iron Range economy cannot afford further unnecessary or duplicative delays in mining permitting.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MOUNTAIN IRON, MINNESOTA, that the City of Mountain Iron hereby opposes the proposed Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement being asked of the United States Department of Agriculture for the Superior National Forest.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Mountain Iron implores its elected leaders, including but not limited to Governor Dayton, Senators Klobuchar and Franken, and Congressman Nolan, to demand that the USDA reject the Program-matic Environmental Impact Statement currently under consideration for the Superior National Forest.
DULY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THIS 16th DAY OF JUNE, 2014.
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Mayor Gary Skalko
ATTEST:
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City Administrator
