Watch live: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issuing executive order to block mining in Boundary Waters

Key Points:

• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order banning nonferrous mining in the Boundary Waters area, directing state agencies to halt new leases and permits and review existing ones to protect the region long-term.
• The order responds to Congress's recent decision to overturn a 20-year mining ban, which had allowed new copper and nickel mining proposals that environmentalists say threaten the wilderness, water quality, and outdoor recreation economy.
• Environmental groups praised Walz's move as a strong defense of the Boundary Waters, criticizing the federal government's rollback of protections and calling for permanent legislative action.
• Mining advocates and Republican leaders, including Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, opposed the order, arguing it harms economic growth and job opportunities by preemptively blocking projects before regulatory reviews.
• House Republicans criticized Walz for acting unilaterally near the end of his term, claiming the order will damage Northern Minnesota's economy and disregards the state's rigorous environmental permitting process.