1)nmw will support legislation to
regulate metallic sulfide mining(nonferrous metals) that includes at
a minimum:
A.
Metallic sulfide Mining should be
deferred in MN until it has been proven environmentally safe in some
other North American location. (“prove it first” legislation similar
to the Wisconsin Moratorium).
B.
Financial assurance shall be
sufficient to provide that any problems associated with mining and
mine closures will be remedied. A risk factor shall be added for
technologies and practices that have not yet been proven successful
in similar circumstances elsewhere in North America.
C.
Regulations shall set strict
standards for approval of metallic sulfide mining, require the best
practices available to control waste and other potential
contaminants, and require rigorous monitoring during mining and
following closure.
D.
Mining and mine closure practices
that require treatment of waste and other materials in perpetuity
shall be prohibited.
E. Minnesota shall protect its most special places from mining development. Mining should not be permitted in areas that have historic, archaeological, scientific, cultural or recreational significance. Mining should not be allowed in wildlife preservation areas, contiguous to state and national parks, or adjacent to the BWCAW.
2.) The Board Chair and other designated representatives are authorized to negotiate reasonable changes. Major changes affecting the standards set by the Board for legislation shall be approved by the Board.
3.) NMW will participate in the legislative process concerning metallic sulfide mining to the extent of its resources. Given sufficient participation and expertise among its members. NMW will communicate with legislators, participate in hearings, and inform the public about the issues. NMW does not have the resources to engage in day-to-day lobbying.
4.) NMW will seek to involve other organizations and individuals in metallic sulfide mining legislative advocacy. NMW will advocate independently if others choose not to participate in a cooperative effort.
.