For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Contact: Doug Gordon | do**@***************es.com
Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks:
Senate Must Reject House Bill That Would Open Up One Of America’s
Most Treasured Landscapes Open To Mining
Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, released the following statement on House passage of a bill that would open the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to mining:
“Today’s vote by the House of Representatives to use the Congressional Review Act to open the Boundary Waters to mining is a reckless decision that puts one of America’s most treasured landscapes at risk. The Senate should reject this bill.
“The Boundary Waters are the most visited Wilderness in the United States, offering unmatched opportunities for solitude, adventure, and connection to nature. Its pristine waters, thriving wildlife, and unique interconnected ecosystem are irreplaceable. Copper mining in this sensitive watershed poses an unacceptable risk to clean water, treaty rights, surrounding communities, and future generations.
“Once pollution enters this water system, it cannot be contained or undone. And history has shown time and time again that is exactly what will happen if this bill passes the Senate and is signed into law.
“And let’s be clear, those who want to see mining on our public lands and national parks won’t just stop at the Boundary Waters. They will soon come for other protected lands and parks.
“The Boundary Waters belongs to everyone. Protecting America’s national parks and public lands is about safeguarding a shared legacy and honoring our responsibility to future generations. The Senate must reject mining in the Boundary Waters watershed, and stand up for clean water, local economies, and the enduring value of our parks and public lands.”###
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization made up of over 4,700 members, all of whom are current, former, and retired employees or volunteers of the National Park Service (NPS). Together, they have accumulated over 50,000 years of experience caring for America’s most valuable natural and cultural resources. Our members include former NPS directors, deputy and regional directors, superintendents, park rangers (both law enforcement and interpretive), maintenance and administrative professionals, and many other dedicated career professionals.