H.J.Res. 140 is a resolution that cancels a rule by the Bureau of Land Management which had set aside about 225,504 acres of national forest land in Minnesota to be protected from mining and geothermal energy development for 20 years. This land is located in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties and includes areas important for environmental conservation and cultural significance. By nullifying this rule, the resolution would allow these lands to be leased for mineral and geothermal exploration and development.
Supporters of H.J.Res. 140 argue that opening up these lands for mineral and geothermal development could boost the local economy by creating jobs and increasing resource availability. Proponents highlight the potential for economic growth and energy independence, emphasizing the importance of utilizing domestic resources. Some media outlets have reported positively on the resolution as a means to balance environmental concerns with economic needs.
Critics of the resolution express concerns about the potential environmental impact on the Rainy River Watershed and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Media coverage has highlighted worries about the degradation of important natural habitats and the risk to water quality. Additionally, there is criticism regarding the potential violation of agreements with Indigenous groups, such as the Lake Superior Chippewa, whose treaty lands could be affected. Environmentalists and conservationists have been vocal in opposing the resolution, arguing it prioritizes short-term economic gains over long-term environmental protection.
The bill H.J.Res. 140 is sponsored by Pete Stauber, a Republican representative, who has received significant contributions from the Retired, Securities & Investment, and Government sectors. However, there is no direct overlap detected between these donor industries and the subject matter of the bill, which pertains to the Bureau of Land Management. Furthermore, the lobbying activity in this bill's policy area does not directly correlate with Stauber's top donor industries. The highest lobbying contributions come from diverse industries such as the National Troopers Coalition, Altria Client Services, Turo, and the American Bankers Association, among others. However, none of these directly link to Stauber's top donors. Therefore, based on the available data, the risk of conflict of interest appears to be low.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ENTEGRIS | ENTEGRIS | $220,000 |
| SSP AMERICA | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $80,000 |
| BLACKROCK FUNDS SERVICES GROUP, LLC | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $60,000 |
| ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES, LLC | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $50,000 |
| TURO | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $50,000 |
| AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $50,000 |
| ASTRION | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $50,000 |
| REWORLD WASTE, LLC | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $50,000 |
| BRADFORD WHITE CORPORATION | CGCN GROUP, LLC | $50,000 |
| EXXON MOBIL CORP. | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $50,000 |
| CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO (SACRAMENTO STATE) | EMPIRE CONSULTING GROUP | $30,000 |
| LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC. | CGCN GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| INTERSTATE GAS SUPPLY LLC | BENTLEY LEGAL SERVICES PLLC | $12,000 |
| NATIONAL TROOPERS COALITION | WINNING STRATEGIES WASHINGTON | $10,000 |
| THE REPARATIONIST COLLECTIVE | THE REPARATIONIST COLLECTIVE | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Pete Stauber, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)