EVELETH—U.S. Rep. Angie Craig toured an active taconite mine for the first time Wednesday and was reminded just how important American steel is to the country.
“Mining is an important part of the history of the Iron Range and of Minnesota and I wanted to get an appreciation for it directly,’’ said the 2nd District Democrat, who is campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Tina Smith.
Craig said she wants to make sure that long mining tradition in Minnesota continues.
Regarding the taconite that is made into steel, she stated, “Strategic tariffs are important. I’m not a big fan of the (President Donald) Trump administration’s across-the-board tariffs, but multiple administrations now have put tariffs on importing cheap steel into America and it really does make a lot of sense.’’
At the same time, she added that “mining is something that is viewed through the lens of politics. My view, as always, that if a project can meet a thorough environmental review and get past the hurdles here that’s something we should be open to.’’
Does that statement hold true for copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area?
“It’s the same philosophy,’’ she said, “but copper-nickel mining is much more concerning to me just from the perspective of can that be safely done in the watershed of the Boundary Waters?
“I think we have to take a look at every single project and be objective about them.’’
Craig was pleased to see steelworkers, mine owner Cleveland-Cliffs and the Native American community on the Range all represented at Wednesday’s visit. That shows there is a truly a partnership when everyone is at the table, she added.
Craig added she has voted against U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber’s bills every time. His latest bill on mining near the BWCA overturned a 20-year moratorium on mining across 225,504 acres of the Superior National Forest.
“The Trump administration is not taking an objective view of this,’’ Craig said. “At the end of the day we have to look at every project on its merits and consider the environmental impacts of each project.’’
Craig believes she has the right focus to win Smith’s seat. She will be in a highly competitve Democratic primary on Aug. 11 against Peggy Flanagan. The Minnesota Lieutenant Governor won the official Minnesota DFL party endorsement.
Craig said her three main focuses are: Economic growth and lower costs; keeping the community safe; and reforming Washington.
”If you’re talking to Minnesotans right now across the state, you’ve got to be thinking about and talking to them about their economic anxieties. It’s just become too damn expensive in this country,’’ whether its the cost of gas, diesel, housing, or health care.
She said jobs have to be created in the United States, and “unfortunately, the Trump administration has done an excellent job of driving up costs for Americans, not creating jobs.’’