What is the current status of HJRES 140?

HJRES 140 is currently: Became Law.

How did the House vote on HJRES 140?

In the House, the recorded vote was 214 yea to 208 nay (Passed).

How did the Senate vote on HJRES 140?

In the Senate, the recorded vote was 50 yea to 49 nay (Passed).

Who sponsored HJRES 140?

HJRES 140 was sponsored by Pete Stauber (R), Rep.

Reopens Federal Lands to Mining

IntroducedJanuary 12, 2026

Became Law4 months ago

Intro

House

Motion

Senate

Pres

Signed by President.

Public Lands and Natural ResourcesAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAlternative and renewable resourcesDepartment of the InteriorLakes and riversLand use and conservationMarine pollutionMiningMinnesota

Why This Matters

This resolution nullifies a rule that protects certain federal lands in Minnesota from mineral and geothermal development.

If you care about protecting natural resources, this resolution could harm the environment in Minnesota.

Who this affects

Minnesota residents · Environmental advocates · Mining companies

What does this resolution do?

1This resolution allows mineral and geothermal exploration on over 225,000 acres in northeastern Minnesota.
2It removes protections for the Rainy River Watershed and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
3The disapproval could lead to increased mining activities in areas previously safeguarded for ecological integrity.
4Local communities and environmental groups may face challenges from potential environmental impacts of mining.

Read the detailed summary

This joint resolution nullifies Public Land Order 7917, which withdrew approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years. In 2023, the Bureau of Land Management issued the order to protect and preserve the Rainy River Watershed, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Mining Protection Area, and the 1854 Ceded Territory of the Lake Superior Chippewa from the potential adverse effects of mineral and geothermal exploration and development. The joint resolution removes such protections and allows such land to be leased for the exploration and development of minerals and geothermal energy.

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