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To provide for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and interconnected Federal lands and waters, including Voyageurs National Park, within the Rainy River Watershed in the State of Minnesota, and for other purposes.

2/13/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 588

Bill 119 hr 588, also known as the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, aims to safeguard the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and other federal lands and waters in the Rainy River Watershed in Minnesota. The bill specifically focuses on protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from potential pollution and environmental harm.

The legislation includes provisions to prevent mining activities that could harm the pristine wilderness area, as well as measures to ensure the protection of water quality in the region. The bill also aims to promote sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the area, while preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Overall, Bill 119 hr 588 seeks to balance the need for economic development with the importance of preserving the unique natural resources and recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding federal lands and waters.

Congressional Summary of HR 588

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

This bill protects and preserves approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and waters in a specified area in the Rainy River Watershed of Superior National Forest in Minnesota from certain mining, such as sulfide-ore copper mining. (The area is upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.)

Specifically, the bill withdraws those acres from 

  • entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;
  • location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
  • operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.

However, the Forest Service is authorized to permit the removal of sand, granite, iron ore, and taconite from national forest system lands within such area if the removal is not detrimental to the water quality, air quality, and health of forest habitat within the Rainy River Watershed.

Land or interest in land within such area that is acquired by the United States must be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill.

Current Status of Bill HR 588

Bill HR 588 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 21, 2025. Bill HR 588 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 21, 2025.  Bill HR 588's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. as of January 21, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 588

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
20
Democrat Cosponsors
20
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 588

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 588

To provide for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and interconnected Federal lands and waters, including Voyageurs National Park, within the Rainy River Watershed in the State of Minnesota, and for other purposes.
To provide for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and interconnected Federal lands and waters, including Voyageurs National Park, within the Rainy River Watershed in the State of Minnesota, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 588

Betty McCollum
Betty McCollum
MinnesotaDemocrat
Nikema Williams
Nikema Williams
GeorgiaDemocrat
Jill N. Tokuda
Jill N. Tokuda
HawaiiDemocrat
Paul Tonko
Paul Tonko
New YorkDemocrat
Melanie A. Stansbury
Melanie A. Stansbury
New MexicoDemocrat
Janice D. Schakowsky
Janice D. Schakowsky
IllinoisDemocrat

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