# Superior National Forest Restoration Act: Plain Language Summary

This bill would overturn a federal decision that blocked mining activity in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. In January 2023, the federal government issued an order withdrawing certain forest lands from mineral leasing and mining operations. This bill would cancel that order and reopen the door to mining in the area.

The bill specifically requires the federal government to reinstate mineral leases and mining permits that were canceled between January 2021 and when this bill would pass. Companies that had these leases or permits would get them back on the same terms they had before cancellation. Additionally, the bill sets a strict 18-month deadline for the government to complete all environmental reviews and approvals for mining plans in the Superior National Forest. This applies both to plans that were already submitted and any new plans submitted within the next seven years. The bill also prevents people from challenging these reinstated leases in court, which means environmental groups or other opponents wouldn't have a legal avenue to fight the decision.

The practical effect is that mining companies would have a clearer, faster path to extract minerals like copper and nickel from Superior National Forest lands in Minnesota. Environmental advocates worry this could harm the forest ecosystem and water quality in the region, while mining supporters argue it would create jobs and boost the local economy. The tight timeline for government review means decisions would need to happen quickly, potentially limiting the depth of environmental analysis.

Superior National Forest Restoration Act

Stauber, Pete

Superior National Forest Restoration Act This bill rescinds Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN, which bars mining operations on specified Forest Service lands in Minnesota. The bill directs the Forest Service to <ul> <li>complete necessary environmental and regulatory review for all mine plans of operations within the Superior National Forest within 18 months of submission; and</li> <li>reissue each cancelled mineral lease, preference right lease, and prospecting permit relating to lands within that forest.</li> </ul> A lease or permit reissued under this provision is not subject to judicial review.