Committees in both houses of the state legislature are scheduled to vote Feb. 6 on the state’s controversial mining bill, which would alter some rules and regulations on iron mining in the state.
The bill has already caused conflict in the legislature with Republican backers saying the mines that could result from the bill would bring jobs to the state, specifically in the north. Democrats and northern Chippewa tribal leaders, however, argue the jobs would come at the expense of Wisconsin’s environment.
The legislation is designed to streamline the permitting process for companies interested in mining in the state. In the bill, Republicans said the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had to make a decision on submitted permits within 420 days of receiving them. Republicans also gave the Wisconsin DNR power to exempt mining companies from certain environmental standards governing wetlands and waterways.
Both committees voting on the bill are chaired by a co-author of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining and Revenue is chaired by state Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and the Assembly's Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining is chaired by state Rep. Mary Williams, R-Medford.
Democratic legislators criticized both Tiffany and Williams for only holding one hearing on the bill in Madison, far from the areas that would be most affected by a mine, and for not adopting any Democratic proposals for the bill.
However, Republicans continue to stress they are open to working with Democrats to pass the bill.
If passed, the bill will likely move to the Joint Finance Committee.
