Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 3195 - Superior National Forest Restoration ActStatement of Administration Policy: H.R. 3195 - Superior National Forest Restoration Act

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)
(Rep. Stauber, R-MN, and 13 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 3195, which would undermine decades of local efforts to protect the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - a spectacular network of rivers, lakes, and forests that comprise the most heavily visited wilderness in the United States - from pollution from mining in its watershed. Responding to broad-based concerns regarding the potential impacts of mining on the area's water, fish and wildlife, Tribal and treaty rights, and robust recreation economy, the Secretary of the Interior issued Public Land Order 7917, withdrawing approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest land lying upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from disposition under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws for a 20-year period, subject to valid existing rights. This action helps protect the wilderness and watershed from adverse impacts of new mineral exploration and development, protects the area for future generations, and ensures the viability of the strong outdoor recreation economy.

H.R. 3195 would nullify the Administration's actions by directing the Secretary to reopen the area to mineral exploration and development, fast-track environmental reviews for mining, and exempt leases and permits from judicial review - jeopardizing some of our nation's most cherished natural treasures and undermining the scientific and public process that informed the withdrawal that is currently in place. The Administration strongly opposes this bill.