On Nov. 17, Minnesota District Court Judge Mary Leahy dismissed with prejudice pro-frac sand interests’ claims in their attempt to undo the Winona County, Minn., frac sand ban. The judge ruled that the county acted fully within its authority in passing this ordinance to protect public health, safety and general welfare from industrial mining operations.

This ruling confirms that in passing the ban, the Winona County Board was acting precisely as government should. Elected officials listened to the will of the public, who called for this corporate exploitation to be prevented, and then acted decisively to protect the common good for both people and the land. The hills, bluffs, farms and waters of Winona County are safe from industrial frac sand mining, thanks to the bold leadership of the people who love them.

This lawsuit, brought by two of the largest law firms in Minnesota, was yet another corporate attack on democracy. But this victory is further proof that organized people acting on our values can prevail against corporate power, and can protect the land and our communities’ health, safety and quality of life from destruction for the sake of profits.

The ruling is available here.

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