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Gov. Walker to sign mining legislation into law
Gov. Walker to sign mining legislation into law
MADISON (WITI) -- Gov. Scott Walker will sign mining legislation at two locations across the state on Monday, March 11th.
Gov. Walker will officially sign the legislation in Rhinelander followed by a ceremonial signing in Milwaukee on Monday afternoon.
The State Assembly passed the iron mining bill on Thursday, March 7th by a 58-39 vote along party lines.
The Legislature debated a similar bill a year ago but it failed to pass the Senate. In 2013, with a stronger Republican majority, the Senate bill passed by a vote of 17-16 after eight-plus hours of debate on Wednesday, February 27th.
The mine would be located 350 miles north of Milwaukee in the Bad River watershed. The Bad River band of indians staunchly opposed the mine, saying the bill could spoil the environment.
The political battle surrounding the mining bill boils down to the environment versus the economy. Republicans argue the bill would create jobs — especially at Milwaukee mining equipment makers Monarch and P&H. Democrats say the bill would give a private company license to pollute the environment.