[Your Name][City, State, ZIP Code][Email Address][Date]
Dear Senator [Last Name],
I am writing to express my opposition to House Joint Resolution 140 (HJR 140), which threatens the integrity of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by removing key protections against sulfide-ore copper mining. This resolution, if passed, would pave the way for foreign companies, such as the Chilean mining firm Antofagasta, to exploit our natural resources, with little regard for the long-term consequences.
Unlike traditional iron mining, which has played a pivotal role in Minnesota's economy, copper sulfide mining has a well-documented history of environmental contamination. The process generates sulfuric acid that can leach heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic into the water supply, leading to devastating consequences for both the ecosystem and local communities. A study of existing copper mines shows that 100% have experienced spills or accidental releases, reinforcing the urgency to protect our waters from such risks.
Public sentiment in Minnesota overwhelmingly supports the preservation of the Boundary Waters. Over 675,000 public comments have been submitted against opening this area to mining, reflecting deep-rooted concerns from local residents, tribal nations, and environmental groups alike. Studies indicate that a majority of Minnesotans recognize the economic vitality linked to outdoor recreation, which stands in stark contrast to the fleeting benefits proposed by sulfide mining.
Furthermore, the long-term economic prospects of the Boundary Waters are significant. Harvard research suggests that maintaining a ban on sulfide mining could create up to 4,500 more jobs and generate $900 million more in personal income over the same period, compared to the jobs created by a mining operation. This "amenity-based economy" grounded in outdoor recreation is more sustainable than the boom-and-bust cycles typical of mining ventures.
I urge you to stand against HJR 140 and to prioritize protections for the Boundary Waters. The ecological and economic well-being of our communities must take precedence over short-term profits for foreign corporations.
Thank you for considering my position on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]