IMA COMMITTEES ' YEAR-IN-REVIEW
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
Early in 2021 the IMA was notified that the MPCA was required by the EPA to include sulfate waters on the impaired waters list . The EPA then conducted public meetings to decide which lakes to add to the impaired waters list . The final impaired waters list was made public in fall of 2021 .
Next steps related to sulfate and sulfate regulation continue to evolve . Your help and voice will be key to getting some resolution to this ongoing issue .
IMA monitored CERCLA , PFAS , 401 and 404 certification , EAW legislation , and EIS legislation and tailings basin legislation .
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
The IMA Government Affairs Committee was hard at work during the year advocating on behalf of the iron mining industry and supporting businesses to ensure that they were able to keep their doors open during COVID .
The IMA government affairs committee has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure that damaging legislation isn ’ t passed . So far , the IMA government affairs team has been successful in growing legislator ’ s understanding of the iron mining industry .
This year the IMA was successful in hosting numerous legislative tours , including the senate capital investment committee , house legislators , and energy committee members .
In 2022-2023 the IMA will work with candidates early in the campaign cycle to ensure that they have a good understanding of the iron mining industry .
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The IMA capped off 2021 in 2022 , due in large part to a COVID outbreak in northeastern Minnesota . In two short months , the IMA was able to host our 2021 IMA Annual Meeting ( usually scheduled for December ) in February , and in March we held our Day at the Capitol and hosted our IMA Funspiel .
In addition , we hope members new and old had a great time at the 29th Annual IMA Golf Outing in August at Giants Ridge ! We had great attendance by IMA members : 196 golfers and 50 teams , 28 tee sponsors , 14 game sponsors , 5 beverage cart sponsors , 1 driving range sponsor , and 1 lunch sponsor .
There are changes in store for the 2022 Annual Dinner , as we hope to have the event in Duluth to continue the balance between Duluth and the Iron Range . Our hope in having the Annual Dinner in Duluth is to remind the community how important the relationship between both communities is for regional economic success .
20 | Iron Mining Association of Minnesota