“To keep our mines open to produce the metals our country needs, we must keep the RICE units going through their expiration date in 2050,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Without reliable, affordable energy provided by the RICE units, the Upper Peninsula will be forced to deindustrialize, which will result in drastic depopulation. My plan would protect U.P. energy production and maintain our 175-year-old mining industry.”

“Our local officials must have a seat at the table,” Bohnak said. “The current process leaves local governments out in the cold. Our plan would put them squarely back at the center of these conversations where they belong.”