The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed legislation to reverse Biden-era protections that restricted mining activity near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota, sending the bill to President Donald Trump for expected approval.

Lawmakers approved the measure in a 50-49 vote, narrowly backing an effort to undo a 2023 decision by the Biden administration that blocked mining operations in the region. The House had previously passed the legislation, clearing the way for it to reach the president’s desk.

The rollback targets federal actions that prevented mineral leasing and development in an area long sought by Twin Metals, which has proposed mining projects near the wilderness boundary. Republicans have argued that the restrictions represented federal overreach that limited domestic resource production, particularly for critical minerals.

The Boundary Waters region is known for its interconnected lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities, drawing visitors for activities such as canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The area has also been at the center of a years-long debate balancing environmental conservation with economic development.

Senators Thom Tillis and Susan Collins joined Democrats in opposing the repeal, while Josh Hawley did not vote.

Republicans advanced the measure using the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn recently finalized regulations. Although the mining restrictions were issued outside the typical review window, supporters argued they qualified for repeal because they were not formally submitted to Congress until later.

The vote comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to ease environmental regulations tied to energy and resource development. The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed changes to rules governing coal ash disposal, including adjustments to groundwater monitoring requirements and cleanup standards at certain facilities.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the proposal is aimed at restoring American energy production and giving states greater flexibility in managing site-specific conditions.

Coal ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power generation, can contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead and poses environmental risks if not properly contained, particularly near waterways.

The mining measure now awaits Trump’s signature, which would formally lift the restrictions and potentially reopen the area to future development, marking a significant shift in federal land and resource policy.