Protect Minnesota’s life-giving waters

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Protecting Minnesota’s waters and communities that rely on them, particularly from the proposed PolyMet/Glencore sulfide mine and attempted water quality standard rollbacks.

What’s at Stake?

Recent News & Actions

Court rulings on mining pollution highlight MPCA failings | Healing Minnesota Stories

A new article describes the MPCA: “A sleepy watchdog with no teeth.” It details MPCA’s failure to regulate U.S. Steel Minntac pollution and efforts by WaterLegacy and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to protect clean water.

Fond du Lac Band Chairman Kevin DuPuis states: “We will keep pushing the state and others to follow the law and respect our treaty rights for as long as it takes. Clean water is non-negotiable.”

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Minnesota Supreme Court Upholds Groundwater Protection – Reverses Decision Preventing Control Of U.S. Steel Minntac Pollution

“The Minnesota Supreme Court decision today is a big win for Minnesota groundwater and for public health. Drinking water standards may now be enforced to control U.S. Steel’s Minntac tailings basin pollution, and U.S. Steel is not above the law. In addition, Minnesota standards to keep toxic chemicals out of drinking water – everything from nitrate to arsenic and lead – remain in place to protect groundwater across our state.” – Paula Maccabee, WaterLegacy

PRESS RELEASE
COURT DECISION

Choose this over sulfide mining: renewables, jobs and metals recycling | MinnPost

Minnesotans want renewable energy, well-paid jobs, a livable climate, clean water, and a thriving economy. How do we get there? Recycling copper and other metals can help address the climate crisis, increase jobs, and provide the materials needed to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.

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“I was 95% sure PolyMet would happen. Well, you and your partners have forced a recalculation of those odds. Of course, the battle is not over, but the recent legal victories are huge, and I couldn’t imagine them a decade ago. I’m delighted and heartened that our donations are so effectively deployed. Thank you!” – Peter Leschak

“WaterLegacy has been in this fight right from the beginning. It’s been strong, smart and has solidified the resistance to copper mining. That’s why I make a monthly contribution.” – Barton Sutter
“Volunteering with WaterLegacy has been a great opportunity to learn about the threat posed by sulfide mining, as well as better development alternatives for our water-rich state. And talking to the public about these issues feels a lot better than sitting at home wringing my hands!” – Hannah Baxter

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