PolyMet Mining wants to open a copper and nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The company has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency on how the project will meet air and water quality standards. Congressman Chip Cravaack says a supplemental environmental impact statement could be released to the public in October.

Federal law requires that gasoline be blended with ethanol or other biofuels. About 40 percent of the nation's corn now goes toward ethanol production. But in a year when dry weather will mean less corn and higher prices, Minnesota's Chip Cravaack is among Congressmen urging that more of the crop be used as food.

After being swept into office on a tea party tide, Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack is now portraying himself as a middle-of-the-road lawmaker. He is trying to keep his job in a northeastern Minnesota district with a long tradition of electing Democrats.

Rep. Chip Cravaack announced Saturday that he will seek to end federal authority over some outdoors activities on Mille Lacs Lake. Specifically, he's referring to Coast Guard regulations requiring a so-called “six-pack” license for fishing guides or anyone operating a boat for hire with up to six passengers.

A plan to reduce pollution from taconite plants in northern Minnesota has industry officials up in arms. The Environmental Protection Agency has stepped in to regulate sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emmissions, a job state agencies have not been able to enforce. Taconite industry officials say the tougher regulations are unavailable and too-expensive.

DFL challenger Rick Nolan has moved ahead of freshman Republican Chip Cravaack 50 percent to 43 percent, according to a new Star Tribune poll of likely voters in the Eighth Congressional District. Previous polls showed the race was a tossup.

Minnesota Congressman Chip Cravaack inserted a provision that would have the shorter timeframe apply to mining projects already in the works, such as the copper mine proposed near Hoyt Lakes. The bill limits the permitting process to 30 months, which will reduce time for public input and legal challenges.

Republican U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack and DFLer Rick Nolan focused on jobs on the Iron Range during their last debate of the campaign in Virginia, the heart of northeastern Minnesota mining country.