Tales told by idiots ... signifying nothing?

I’m going to skip ranting today but I want to call to your attention some likely misguided governmental expenditures. Although I don’t support polluting our environment, there seems to be logic lacking behind these efforts:

• A new report published by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found it would cost $14 billion to $28 billion over the next two decades to clean up so-called “forever chemicals” from wastewater streams across the state.


• Early estimates of the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water nationwide are about $400 billion — dwarfing the cost of settlements and cleanup costs from environmental contamination like asbestos and lead pipes or other public health settlements tied to tobacco and opioids.


• New research from Stockholm University found that the levels of PFAS in rainwater now exceed levels deemed safe by health and environment advisory agencies.

Has anyone taken a look at the global hydrologic system to determine if the removals from drinking and wastewater can be effective given the ubiquitous distribution of PFAS in rainwater? Does anyone remember the old advice about locking the barn door before the horse is stolen?

It seems to me that the kind of failed systemic approach reflected in the news items above could well be continued if voters don’t demand more from those running for election. Former Governor Carlson recently called to our attention a major failure by the Walz administration and the Democrats in this piece published by MinnPost: Promises made, promises broken when it comes to Glencore and sulfide mining in northern Minnesota. Fortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers was brought to its senses, if belatedly, and

... has revoked a key permit for the proposed NorthMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, formerly known as the PolyMet project. 

The Army Corps rescinded the permit, known as the Clean Water Act “Section 404” wetlands permit, because the agency said the permit could not “ensure compliance with the applicable downstream water quality requirements” of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, whose reservation lies downstream from the proposed mine on the St. Louis River. 

is this really “reclamation?"

Photo by J. Harrington

There is a better way to regulate mining and international efforts have identified and are improving best practices for mining operations. Isn’t it past time for Governor Walz and the Democrat-controlled legislature to replace the state’s out-dated and insufficiently effective mining regulation with the kind the Governor promised before he was elected? Or do we agree with the kind of irrational rant brought to us by the current Congressional representative of the Iron Range?

Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber issued a blistering statement in the wake of the decision, calling it a “gift to the Chinese Communist Party.”

Stauber said the decision highlights the need for “serious mining reform to limit frivolous lawsuits and modernize the Clean Water Act permitting process” and he blamed the decision on activists in Washington. “Because of this, America will be more reliant on China, which has no environmental or labor standards and uses minerals sourced by child labor,” he stated.

Forever – is composed of Nows – (690)

By Emily Dickinson

Forever – is composed of Nows –

‘Tis not a different time –

Except for Infiniteness –

And Latitude of Home –

From this – experienced Here –

Remove the Dates – to These –

Let Months dissolve in further Months –

And Years – exhale in Years –

Without Debate – or Pause –

Or Celebrated Days –

No different Our Years would be

From Anno Dominies – 

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