Democrats in northern Wisconsin counties sent letters to state legislators Monday requesting public hearings in the areas most affected by the proposed mining legislation currently backed by Republicans.
Officials from Ashland and Bayfield counties as well as other organizations, such as the Mining Impact Coalition of Wisconsin urged state Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and state Rep. Mary Williams, R-Medford, to hold public hearings before the state Senate and Assembly vote on the controversial mining bill, which, if passed, could lead to a new iron ore mine in Ashland County.
Kelly Westlund of the Ashland City Council said the bill would have “far-reaching” consequences on the people of Ashland County, expressing her concern about the county’s water supply.
“This is about our access to a necessary quality resource we value far more than low-grade taconite,” Westlund said in a letter.
State Rep. Janet Bewley, D-Ashland, also announced recently she will hold a listening session Feb. 9 to gather citizens’ opinions on the bill.
