TWO HARBORS, Minn. – During a roundtable held Saturday morning (October 2, 2026) in Two Harbors, Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown), Senator Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee, and a wide spectrum of business and community leaders from across the Northland discussed the opportunities helium development and production are poised to bring to the region and state.
“The development of a new, critical mineral industry in the Northland is an opportunity for our region to once again be a national leader in an increasingly essential resource for high-tech fields, healthcare, and other aspects of our high-tech economy,” said Senator Hauschild. “Now, we’ve got to get the right infrastructure in place to ensure this industry takes off. Bringing people together from across the private and public sector is how we set up for success.”
Saturday’s discussion, held at the Lake County Services Center in Two Harbors, touched on several critical issues, including: the expedited rule-making process for a helium gas framework in Minnesota, the permitting of a potential gas hub in Lake County, ensuring Northern Minnesota secures tax benefits from this new industry, and more. Attendees also discussed expected job growth, related economic development, and the role this helium development could play in meeting domestic and global helium demand. Pulsar President Cliff Cain expressed gratitude for the roundtable discussion by saying: “Senator Hauschild has been a strong partner in developing a helium framework that gives this industry a path forward in Minnesota. Bringing Senate Energy Chair Nick Frentz to Two Harbors to hear directly from stakeholders shows his commitment to getting this right. Together, we have an opportunity to build a new industry in northern Minnesota and keep the processing, investment, and good jobs that come with these resources right here in our region.”
The roundtable was also attended by Lake County Commissioner Matt Huddleston, Two Harbors City Administrator Patty Anderson, Two Harbors City Council President Uriah Hefter, Minnesota Power’s Arik Forsman, Apex Northland President Rachel Johnson, and Indigenous Business Advisors’ Charlie Smith.
