Washington, D.C. – Today, the Biden administration announced that it is canceling mining leases on lands adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness after a new solicitor’s opinion found legal deficiencies in the renewal of the leases. In response, Center for American Progress Senior Vice President for Energy and Environment Policy Christy Goldfuss released the following statement:
The Biden administration’s decision to protect America’s most visited wilderness area from exploitation by a foreign mining conglomerate is an immense relief to the local communities and businesses that rely on the area’s pristine waters. This iconic wilderness is no place for a toxic mine. These decisions will be celebrated not only locally, but across the country as President Biden makes good on his commitment to protect 30 percent of lands and waters through the America the Beautiful initiative, which supports outdoor recreation, clean water, clean air, and wildlife for future generations.
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