Minnesota's Water Is Worth More Than Corporate Promises

Every few years, Minnesotans are told we have to choose between jobs and protecting our environment.

I reject that choice.

The debate over mining in Minnesota is often framed as an economic necessity. We're told new projects will create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and support emerging technologies. Those benefits deserve consideration.

But so do the risks.

Minnesota is home to some of the most valuable freshwater resources in the world. Once water is contaminated, no campaign promise, corporate guarantee, or government press release can fully undo the damage.

That is why I believe the burden should be on mining companies to prove their projects can operate safely—not on communities to prove why they deserve clean water.

Too often, corporations enjoy the profits while taxpayers are left carrying the long-term environmental costs. If a company wants access to Minnesota's natural resources, it should also accept full responsibility for protecting them.

This isn't anti-worker. It isn't anti-union. And it isn't anti-development.

Minnesotans deserve good-paying jobs.

But we also deserve clean lakes, healthy ecosystems, safe drinking water, and an environment that future generations can enjoy.

The question isn't whether economic development matters.

The question is whether we are willing to sacrifice irreplaceable natural resources for short-term gains.

I don't believe we should.

Minnesota's water is one of our greatest assets. We should treat it that way.