As a native of Duluth, I was alarmed to discover the administration of President Donald Trump moved to renew mineral leases for Twin Metals, which could lead to mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The move reversed a decision that had been made by the administration of President Barack Obama ("Twin Metals gets mining leases back," Dec. 23).
At the time of the reversal, the federal government was studying the effects of mining activity on the BWCAW. Instead of continuing to review the dangerous potential of mining near one of America's environmental treasures, the Trump administration decided to grant a win to a mining company owned by Chilean billionaires.
This decidedly irresponsible about-face smacked of the current president's disdain for natural beauties that all Americans can enjoy.
In addition to the questionable decision to reverse the 2016 policy, the Trump administration and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke ensured Minnesota lawmakers were blindsided by it. Gov. Mark Dayton reportedly received no warning whatsoever about a decision that dramatically impacts his state. Rep. Betty McCollum revealed that Secretary Zinke assured her of his commitment to the environmental review the day before the administration made its decision public. This lack of transparency regarding an issue that impacts everybody who revels in the Boundary Waters' splendor showed a blatant disregard for the concerns of everyday citizens.
Those of us from northern Minnesota can cope with a great deal, such as the harsh winters we regularly survive. We can cope with the president's complete disregard for the decorum of his office. We can cope with the continued dismantling of the standards of political discourse. We can cope with the stream of lies and falsehoods from the Oval Office. What we cannot cope with is the destruction of one of our state's most beloved features by billionaires who bear us no goodwill.
Prescott Robinson
Washington, D.C.