¶ Overview
When Representative Pete Stauber lifted a ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters, Tafoya cheered him on, calling potential mining operations in the Superior National Forest “a great thing.” The Boundary Waters, America's most-visited wilderness, contains some of the country's most pristine waters and critical habitat, free of roads and human-made structures. Yet, Tafoya supported endangering this critical natural resource and economic boon for local communities with her endorsement of toxic mining ventures. Boundary Waters advocates warned that current proposed projects, including sulfide-ore copper mining, would inevitably lead to toxic sulfates contaminating the watershed. Tafoya ignored the danger, calling impending environmental disaster an “opportunity.”
¶ Tafoya Supported Mining Near Minnesota's Precious Boundary Waters
¶ Tafoya Touted The Repeal On The Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters
Tafoya Said Allowing Mining Near Boundary Waters Was “An Important First Step” And That Minnesota Has “An Opportunity To Lead In Responsible Mining.” Michele Tafoya tweeted, “Two things can be true at once: we can develop our natural resources and protect the Boundary Waters. With modern technology and strong oversight, Minnesota can set the gold standard for clean, responsible mining while preserving what makes our state special. This is an important first step in securing energy independence. Any project in Minnesota will go through a thorough permitting process that meets the highest environmental standards in the country. We have an opportunity to lead in responsible mining and produce the critical minerals our economy and national security depend on, without relying on foreign nations.” [Twitter, @michele_tafoya, 4/17/26]
[VIDEO] Tafoya Said That Rescinding Protections Against Mining Near The Boundary Waters Was “Hands Down” The “Right Call.” “Brian Bakst: So last week, the U.S. The Senate voted to reverse a moratorium on mining leases in the vicinity of the BWCA. Was it the right call? Michele Tafoya: Yes, absolutely. Hands down, it was the right call. We can have two things be true. We can do mining in northern Minnesota around in the vicinity of the boundary waters without affecting the boundary waters. I trust Pete Stauber on this implicitly. And I believe in this wholeheartedly. Mining is a Minnesota staple and it needs to come back. And if we can, we can create AI and if we can create life saving drugs and if we can send people into space to slingshot around the moon, we can mine cleanly as well. And people will have to jump through many hoops in order to have the privilege of mine. And there they're going to be able to do it.” [MPR News Politics Friday, 4/24/26]
Tafoya Praised Pete Stauber For Getting The Ban On Mining Near The Boundary Waters Lifted. Michele Tafoya tweeted, “Congratulations to @PeteStauber and staff for getting this done! The jobs and opportunities this will bring to Northeast MN are endless!” [Twitter, @Michele_Tafoya, 4/27/26]
Tafoya Said Ending The Ban On Mining Near The Boundary Waters Was A “Great Thing For Northeast Minnesota.” Michele Tafoya tweeted, “A great thing for northeast Minnesota, Minnesota as a whole, and for the US economy and national security! Thank you, @RepPeteStauber and @POTUS” [Twitter, @Michele_Tafoya, 4/27/26]
Tafoya Said Ending The Ban On Mining Near The Boundary Waters Will Lead To “Job Creation, An Improved Economy, And Endless Opportunity.” Michele Tafoya tweeted, “Today I spent time with numerous folks from northeast Minnesota who are thrilled about job creation, an improved economy, and endless opportunity that will follow.” [Twitter, @Michele_Tafoya, 4/27/26]
Tafoya Expressed Support For Allowing Mining Operations In The Boundary Waters And Claimed “We Can Mine Cleanly And Safely.” According to the Bemidji Pioneer, “Tafoya then expressed support for U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber's bill to allow mining operations in the Boundary Waters, stating, ‘We can mine cleanly and safely.’” [Bemidji Pioneer, 5/19/26]