Biden administration agrees to conduct required environmental reviewBiden administration agrees to conduct required environmental review Posted Marshall Helmberger ELY- A coalition of environmental groups have reached a settlement with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management that requires the agency to revisit its decision to renew 13 prospecting permits near here. The permits could have allowed Antofagasta’s Twin Metals venture to significantly expand its proposed sulfide-ore copper mine just upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The groups filed suit last year, challenging a four-year extension of the prospecting permits, which was done without required environmental review. To settle the lawsuit, the BLM has agreed to provide for public comment, conduct an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act, consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the plan’s potential harm to endangered species, and then issue a new decision. The BLM also agreed to prohibit any ground-disturbing activities while it reconsiders its decision.