Winona County Bans Frack Sand Mining

Winona County has become the first Minnesota county to ban frack sand mining.

County commissioners voted 3-2 to ban mining of the sand used in hydraulic fracturing, a method of oil production.

Supporters said it could create jobs and boost the economy.

Opponents worried about health risks, environmental problems and the volatility of the oil business.

One commissioner says it boiled down to a “rural versus city issue.”