Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
What does the HJRES 140 do?
HJRES 140 is a House joint resolution sponsored by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN). In 2023, the Bureau of Land Management withdrew 225,504 acres of Superior National Forest land in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota from mineral and geothermal leasing — to protect the Rainy River Watershed, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the 1854 Ceded Territory of the Lake Superior Chippewa — for 20 years. This joint resolution, signed into law under the Congressional Review Act, cancels that withdrawal and reopens the land for mineral and geothermal leasing.
Did HJRES 140 pass? Where it stands
As of August 30, 2026, HJRES 140 has been signed into law on April 27, 2026.
Status: Signed into Law
Latest vote: Senate Joint Resolution Passed 50–49 on April 16, 2026
Outlook: Enacted
Enacted: Signed into law on April 27, 2026
Key provisions
- Mining Ban Reversed
- 225,504 acres of Superior National Forest in Minnesota reopened for mineral and geothermal leasing
- Nullifies a 2023 BLM order that had barred mining for 20 years
- What Was Protected
- Withdrawal was to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Mining Protection Area, and the 1854 Ceded Territory of the Lake Superior Chippewa
- Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN — Rainy River Watershed included
Last updated July 24, 2026