Minn. Lawmakers Push For Silica-Sand Mining Study

The fight over silica-sand mining in southeastern Minnesota is moving to the state Capitol.

 

 

 

 

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The fight over silica-sand mining in southeastern Minnesota is moving to the state Capitol.

Republican state Representative Tim Kelly of Red Wing says he will push for a more extensive review of the potential effect of silica-sand mining.

Kelly supports the idea of a statewide environmental impact statement and a temporary moratorium on sand mining while the study is completed.

The sand is used for ``fracking,'' a process to fracture rock to release oil or gas.

Several counties in southeastern Minnesota have passed temporary moratoriums on silica-sand mining as officials weigh the potential effects, including heavy truck traffic.

Republican state Representative Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa says that local policymakers already are able to get the information they need from state agencies to make decisions.

(Photo Credit:  Mn House Of Representatives)

 

AP

   

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