A rematch over proposed mining bill
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A rematch is shaping up at the Wisconsin Legislature over proposed streamlining of Wisconsin’s mine permitting laws this winter.
Leaders from northern Wisconsin communities pleaded for environmental protections at a hearing of a special legislative committee Thursday.
Officials with the Wisconsin Mining Association also testified before the state Senate Select Committee on Mining. They presented a consultant’s report critical of current permitting laws.
The Wisconsin State Journal (http://bit.ly/YckXJW ) reports Republicans on the committee say the GOP will test its new majorities by trying to again pass the mining bill that failed last session..
Gov. Scott Walker said this week that Gogebic Taconite, the company that wanted to build a mine near Lake Superior but pulled out after the bill failed, is interested in returning if the legislation eases its way.
Nov 30, 2012 at 3:07 p.m.
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the wetland protections were gutted immediately prior to the last mining bill in special session in an effort to allow mine tailings to be placed in sensitive areas...the process does NOT need to be streamlined, so if these companies want to mine, they already can...sounds like they just don't want to wait for the right way to do this..the DNR is understaffed by almost 40% with no more hiring in site...
Nov 30, 2012 at 8:26 a.m.
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Since when have democrats been concerned over cost to the taxpayers in Wisconsin?
Nov 30, 2012 at 8:08 a.m.
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There is no doubt since republicans have the majority again that they will ram rod this bill through rather than take the time to do it right. Just like the rest of the shoddy laws they have passed, the mining bill will get mired down in the legal system with lawsuits and the republican shenanigans will again get shot down costing us tax payers even more money.
Nov 30, 2012 at 7:04 a.m.
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The issue is stated in the first line of the article. The process needs to be streamlined, it is not about "raping the environment" (as the democrats would have you believe).
I watched the proceedings for several hours yesterday, did you? There was no proof submitted that would substantiate your claim.
It is recorded, you can watch the two sessions for yourself. Mostly, it was a last show for the dems before they surrender their short lived majority.
http://www.wiseye.org/
Nov 30, 2012 at 5:56 a.m.
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Don't be obtuse. This is all about making money and raping the environment in the process. Multiple company could have had multiple permits by now. The cost of mining the ore is prohibited by environmental rules. This bill will ease the environmental restrictions and make the ore profitable to dig. Too bad Gogebic will be long gone once the mining is done and all the pollution and scar on the land they leave behind is realized.
Nov 30, 2012 at 1:37 a.m.
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No need to rush. Those folks don't need good paying jobs yet. Let em wait forever because that's how long it will be with the current permitting process.
Nov 29, 2012 at 11:28 p.m.
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the laws we have are in place for a reason...why should we change them for this company? mining can still be done in Wisconsin so what's the rush? jobs can still be created, it just won't happen overnight
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