Climate activists are delivering nearly 1,600 petitions to Minnesota state lawmakers on Tuesday - Earth Day - in an effort to enforce laws protecting public health statewide.
The activists gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to enforce environmental laws.
One issue being highlighted is the Trump administration’s efforts to allow copper-sulfide mining at the edge of the Boundary Waters.
Executive Director of Friends of the Boundary Waters. Chris Knopf, says Minnesotans need to make their voices heard on the issue.
"When Trump denies climate change, what will we do? We stand up and fight," says Knopf. "When Trump tramples on Indigenous rights, what will we do? Stand up and fight."
In the meantime, Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D) has introduced legislation to permanently ban mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
In March, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” which would give access to America’s public lands, including protected, special places, to more mining, saying it would create jobs, fuel prosperity, and significantly reduce our reliance on foreign nations.