Weber Johnson Public Affairs

05/13/2026

Incredibly interesting AgriGrowth conversation with the Fed, Huntington Bank and Baker Tiley at their Spring Economics Outlook luncheon.

Thank you Darin Broton for hosting this event and economic overview.

04/28/2026

Well done piece by the DNT Editorial Board.

Congrats Congressman Stauber on this monumental achievement for jobs, clean energy and the future of Minnesota.

From the editorial: "Environmental-review and permitting processes can effectively w**d out proposals. ... Or they can demand changes to ensure safe, jobs-providing, and economies-jolting operations."

04/22/2026

This is so good:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CEAaGMAEx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thank you Congressman Stauber for all of your work to support Minnesota and the clean energy opportunities that will come from this domestic extraction of critical Minerals

04/21/2026

If we are going to be serious as a state and as policymakers this is a really important addition to this discussion.

We are now able to start having a science driven discussion around specific mine plans of operations. If that is the kind of discussion Minnesota is interested in having.

Regardless, as we transition to more renewable energy sources and thrive in a communications economy, the strategic metals here in our own backyard are critical to this discussion and all that is ahead

The Minnesota DNR released the following statement on the recent federal action to overturn a mining ban near the BWCAW.

Minnesota has among the most rigorous state-level environmental protections in the nation. Nothing in the Senate’s action on April 16, 2026, changes that. The Minnesota DNR’s environmental review and permitting work is grounded in state statutes, rules, and policies, which require both rigorous science and extensive input from the public, Tribal Nations, and other parties. At this time, there are no active proposals for non-ferrous mining projects in the Rainy River watershed pending before the DNR.

There has been public confusion regarding state mineral leases currently held by Twin Metals. Currently, the DNR has the legal option to cancel only one, specific lease held by Twin Metals. The lease in question is not located within the area that Twin Metals has previously sought to mine. The DNR has not made any decisions about that lease, but will evaluate all options. If the DNR does choose to terminate this specific mineral lease, it would not impact the mining project that Twin Metals has been pursuing.

Full new release: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2026/04/17/dnr-statement-federal-action-overturn-mining-ban-near-bwcaw

04/20/2026

We have an opportunity here to take the politics out the potential for some very positive mining right here in our backyard.

Please take a listen when you have some time. Julie Lucas has done a wonderful job bringing serious science into this discussion.

Julie Lucas, Executive Director of Mining Minnesota, helps us understand the Senate vote to authorize new planning stages near the Boundary Waters. It would be

03/26/2026

Great MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce 2026 Excellence in Business Awards Luncheon

Wonderful conversation between Lori Higgins and Minnesota United FC CEO Shari Ballard.

Thanks for the important advocacy on really important issues of the day like Regulatory Reform, Tax relief and helping our kiddos to be civically engaged in this crazy time.

03/24/2026

National Ag Day Celebration at the Capitol here in Minnesota!!!!

Great discussion as local farmers spread across our legislature for meetings today. A lot of discussion around Permitting Reform and regulating local n Minnesota, working with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and others across Ag, Business and Labor to regulate with the goal of responsibly getting to yes for some amazing projects.

03/23/2026

Always an awesome discussion with AgriGrowth and so many Ag Leaders supporting Minnesota literally feeding and energizing the world with what we grow and harvest responsibly.

Thanks Darin Broton for all you do facilitating this discussion among Ag Leaders and the .

03/19/2026

Always so good to see so many friends in Public Policy at the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Duluth-St. Louis Co Days at the Capitol reception and breakfast!!!!

So much talk this morning on Regulatory Reform and the importance of our US Senate passing the bi-partisan CRA House Resolution 140.

For business, labor and Ag, Regulatory Humility and Regulating at the speed of commerce is so important. Minnesota is blessed to have abundant natural resources and epic deposits of the minerals critical as we move towards a cleaner economy.

Always wonderful to be a part of this event!!!

03/12/2026

Such a great piece by the Duluth News Tribune Editors on the critical need for Minnesota to "Regulate at the Speed of Commerce" (quoting former Gov. Dayton, and exhibit some "Regulatory Humility" (quoting Gov. Waltz).

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/editorials/our-view-finally-a-crack-in-minnesotas-anti-biz-reputation

Our regulators need to focus on a responsible way to get to "yes" with good projects. We can do it Better In Our Back Yard and we have some amazing resources that are critical to our clean energy economy.

So wonderful to see Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Kurt Zellers with the Minnesota Business Partnership quoted in this Editorial piece.

From the editorial: "Streamlining Minnesota’s permitting could help reap $260 million to $910 million in economic gains annually. ... Lawmakers can build on the (governor's) executive order."