On the recordSeptember 7, 2017
I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to support this en bloc amendment because it contains language I offered to support the hardworking people of Minnesota. Our amendment halts a last-minute effort by the previous administration that would restrict all leasing, exploration, and potential development of approximately 234,000 acres of Federal land in northeast Minnesota. If this ban were to take effect, it would have a devastating impact on the economy of my State, as well as our Nation as a whole. Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources has estimated there are roughly $500 billion worth of minerals in the area proposed for withdrawal, in addition to nearly $3 billion in royalty revenues for Minnesota's Permanent School Trust Fund, which would support almost 900,000 K-12 students statewide. Through this amendment, we have a real opportunity to get the Federal Government out of the way so this land can remain available for future development to bring much-needed jobs and revenue to the great State of Minnesota. These efforts have garnered the support of more than 60 members of the Minnesota Legislature, from both parties I might add. We also have the backing of Chairman Bishop of the House Natural Resources Committee, as well as the chairman of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Representative Paul Gosar.…
