Mine Plan Spurs Sharp Jabs In Governor Debate
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — A mining project under regulatory review has fueled a sharp exchange among Minnesota's candidates for governor.
At a debate Wednesday night, Republican challenger Jeff Johnson accused Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's administration of "slow-walking" a regulatory review of the PolyMet copper-nickel mine project in northeastern Minnesota.
Dayton responded that Johnson, a suburban county commissioner, was being irresponsible by trying to "pander" to a traditionally Democratic voting area and promise approval before all environmental reviews were completed.
Dayton says he agrees PolyMet's examination "has taken too long no doubt" but the study is important given the new type of mining.
The Independence Party's Hannah Nicollet says the state would be wise to demand the mining company set aside money for possible cleanup in case something goes wrong and the firm goes bankrupt.
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