Winona County became the first county in Minnesota to pass a total ban on frac sand mining. Experts on both sides of the issue said Winona County is likely the first county in the nation to do so. The victory for environmentalists came after years of citizen activism against frac sand generally and a more than one-year-long campaign for this…
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Minnesota County Bans Frac Sand Mining
According to the Winona Post, Winona County, Minn., board members Marie Kovecsi, Greg Olson and Jim Pomeroy voted 3-2 vote to move forward with banning the frac sand industry in rural Winona County. A final vote on the ban will not be held until the board’s November 22 meeting and the board could still change course.
Read MoreWinona County Looking into Legality of Frac Sand Ban
Winona County, Minn., Attorney Karin Sonneman will advise the County Board later this spring on whether the board has the legal authority to ban new frac sand mines and processing facilities in rural parts of the county, according to the Winona Post. Her legal opinion could be the first step toward a vote on the issue sometime this year.
Read MoreThis Week’s Market Buzz
Oil prices could move back above $50 a barrel within a year as an OPEC initiative to freeze production gains support, according to CNNMoney. That’s the view of Qatar’s energy minister, Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, who also holds the rotating presidency of OPEC. “At the moment the best possible feasible proposal is to freeze at the level of production of…
Read MoreMinnesota Court Upholds Mine Decision
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has upheld a Winona County decision that no environmental impact statement is needed for a controversial frac sand mining project already operating in Saratoga Township, according to the Great Lakes Echo.
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