# Plain Language Summary: H. CON. RES. 34

In January 2023, the Secretary of the Interior protected about 225,500 acres of national forest land in northeastern Minnesota from being leased for mining and geothermal energy development. This bill is Congress's way of saying "we don't approve of that decision" and would reverse that protection if it passes.

Here's what this means in practical terms: The protected land sits in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties in Minnesota, an area that includes parts of the Superior National Forest. When the Interior Department withdrew this land from leasing, it meant companies couldn't bid on contracts to drill for minerals or tap into geothermal energy sources there. This bill would undo that withdrawal, opening the door for mining and geothermal companies to potentially lease and develop these lands. The people who support this bill believe it's important to allow resource extraction and the jobs that come with it. Those opposed worry about protecting forests, water quality, and outdoor recreation in the region.

It's worth noting this is a "concurrent resolution," which is Congress's formal way of expressing its opinion. If both the House and Senate pass it, it would actually cancel the Interior Department's protection order under federal law. So this isn't just symbolic—it would have real legal consequences for what can happen on those 225,500 acres of Minnesota forest land.

Expressing disapproval of the withdrawal by the Secretary of the Interior of approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from disposition under the United States mineral and geothermal leasing laws.

Stauber, Pete

 <p>This concurrent resolution expresses congressional disapproval of the Department of the Interior's withdrawal of approximately 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest from disposition under the United States mineral and geothermal leasing laws. On January 26, 2023, Interior removed the land from being available for new mineral leasing, sale of mineral materials, and geothermal leasing for a 20-year period, subject to valid existing rights. The land is located in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota and the Rainy River watershed, which includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the 1854 Ceded Territory of the Chippewa Bands.</p>