Washington, D.C. (May 10, 2022) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following
statement today:

Today’s White House convening of stakeholders from labor, industry, environment, and tribal communities to discuss mining reform is an important step forward. LIUNA commends the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership in charting a new strategy on critical minerals that can help our nation build a vibrant clean energy economy responsibly.

The hard working men and women of LIUNA who work on mineral mining projects too often have their livelihoods put on hold as permits are stalled due to outdated policies and a legal framework that dates to the 1870s. 

The United States has rich reserves of minerals that are crucial to wind, solar and electric vehicle manufacture. LIUNA strongly supports the development of these resources here in our nation by skilled and experienced union members rather than importing materials from unfriendly nations - threatening supply chains and our national security.

LIUNA members are proud to build their communities and are encouraged by the Administration’s commitment to local workforce and local consultation. There is also much work to be done to restore and rebuild communities through abandoned mine reclamation. With more than 500,000 abandoned mines, there is an opportunity  to create good jobs while reducing pollution.

LIUNA looks forward to working with fellow stakeholders and the Administration on a comprehensive strategy that unlocks good jobs developing our nation’s natural resources.

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the United States and Canada.