What good is a public meeting if the public can't speak publicly?
Not good enough for environmental leaders who are protesting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' plans for handling two information meetings this week about the controversial $600 million PolyMet copper-nickel mining proposal in northeastern Minnesota.
The meetings were arranged to solicit public comments about the massive project, but there will be no microphones, public debate or open discussion at them.
Instead, the agency will have several stenographers on hand to record opinions individually, said DNR communications director Colleen Coyne.
Environmental leaders said the approach denies people the ability to learn what others think about the project and to question DNR officials directly.
"It reflects a sales job rather than a sincere attempt to glean public comments in an orderly and balanced way," said Diadra Decker, board member of WaterLegacy, an advocacy group that has raised environmental concerns about the project.
The mine would be the first of its kind in the state, and its approval would be precedent-setting for other mining companies with leases and similar interests, and for Iron Range communities looking for jobs.
DNR Leaves Out Public Debate at Mining Project Meetings
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DNR Leaves Out Public Debate at Mining Project Meetings
The format of public meetings this week on a proposed $600 million copper-nickel mining project in northeastern Minnesota will discourage public discourse, groups say.
By Tom Meersman
Star Tribune, December 9, 2009
Straight to the Source
