Protect Minnesota’s life-giving waters

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

IN THE NEWS: Mine opponents to ask Minnesota Supreme Court to void permit

“Paula Maccabee, an attorney for WaterLegacy, one of several groups that will be arguing against the permit Wednesday, said the case is an important test “of both whether the courts will help us defend clean water and human health, and whether the courts will help us defend regulatory integrity in Minnesota.””

EXHIBIT: “We Are Water” in Dakota County from October 13-December 5, 2022

Come celebrate water and learn from the stories people in Minnesota share about our experience with water. The We Are Water, MN exhibit will be in Dakota County from Oct. 13-Dec.5 at the Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings and Lebanon Regional Park in Eagan. Among the personal stories about water in this exhibit, are reflections shared by Paula Maccabee, WaterLegacy Advocacy Director and Counsel.

OPINION: “There is no tooth fairy, and the PolyMet/Glencore mine will not save our climate”

“Climate sustainability is vital. But facts matter. Whatever policy choices may be most effective to prevent climate change, approving the PolyMet/Glencore sulfide mine is not one of them. There is no tooth fairy, and it’s time to pull the plug on PolyMet.”

BREAKING NEWS: EPA recommends Army Corps not reissue PolyMet water permit

“It is an important and inspiring thing when a tribe is exercising stewardship of clean water,” said Paula Maccabee, attorney and advocacy director for the environmental group WaterLegacy.

BREAKING NEWS: PolyMet Water Pollution Permit Reversed!

 “This is a huge victory. As of today, PolyMet’s water pollution permit has been thrown out by the Court. PolyMet no longer has a permit to mine, and they no longer have a water pollution permit. It is long past time for Minnesota to pull the plug on PolyMet and its parent mega-corporation Glencore.”

“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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