State Assembly passes mining bill along party lines

MADISON (WITI) -- The State Assembly passed the iron mining bill on Thursday, March 7th by a 58-39 vote along party lines.

Gov. Scott Walker issued the following statement after the bill passed: "On behalf of the unemployed skilled workers in our state who will benefit from the thousands of mining-related jobs over the next few years, I say thank you for passing a way to streamline the process for safe and environmentally sound mining in Wisconsin."

Democratic Rep. Peter Barca issued the following statement on the bill passage: "Today Assembly Republicans missed a golden opportunity for bipartisanship on mining. There was a bipartisan alternative on the table that mirrored the best elements of Minnesota’s effective mining law and would have streamlined the process without undermining clean drinking water protections. But Republicans refused to even consider any amendments. Because Republicans rushed this legislation without including acceptable environmental standards, both sides agree it could cost taxpayers millions of dollars in litigation."

State lawmakers in the Assembly debated the bill for hours on Thursday. The bill's authors say it is intended to to streamline the regulatory process and clear the way for an open-pit iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin.

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.

Gov. Walker is expected to sign the mining bill into law.

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