Interior Secretary Deb Haaland defended her decision to shut down a Minnesota critical mineral mine, saying that there were already a lot of jobs available for Americans.
Haaland's remarks came in response to a question about her decision this year to ban mining across 225,504 acres near Duluth, Minnesota, from Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing Tuesday afternoon. Hawley criticized the decision, highlighting the expected positive economic impacts of the project which its developer said would create more than 1,000 jobs.
“Your decision to trade off our energy security in favor of a radical climate change agenda is making us more and more dependent on China. And, at the same time, you are blocking permits for mines in this country,” Hawley said.
“The jobs for blue collar workers in this nation are valuable resources. The livelihood and well-being of American families are valuable resources,” the senator continued. “The ability of America to have our own industry and not be dependent on China is a valuable resource. Why should those things for millions of Americans be sacrificed in favor of your agenda for radical climate change?”