DULUTH, MN / March 27, 2018 / 1:58PM / PR Newswire — In a major new development, a coalition of candidates, elected officials, and labor organizations in Northern Minnesota has announced a proposal for a $1 billion investment in solar and wind manufacturing, broadband, mined copper recovery, and passenger rail, in lieu of what has come to be recognized as a beleaguered, divisive, and dangerous proposal from international copper mining company, PolyMet Inc.

“It’s time we came together with a way forward that works for the whole area,” said one coalition member. “This is exactly what’s needed. We’re working on the right mix of proposals as we speak.”

“$1 billion? That’s what the Vikings stadium cost, that’s the current PolyMet ‘financial assurances’ number,” said another. “If that’s what it takes to fix this mess, that’s absolutely something we can do. Anyway this is a far better option cost-wise than anything currently on the table.”

“It’s time to move forward with good, safe, long-term opportunities in Northern Minnesota. We’re doing this.”

Tony Hayward, of BP Deepwater Horizon infamy and Board Chair of PolyMet’s major investor Glencore, could not be reached for comment.