Two state legislators unveiled a bill to reduce local governments’ power to regulate local mines.
The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, would prevent local governments from using their health and safety ordinances to regulate local mines.
The move has drawn widespread criticism from Democratic legislators, who claim that the bill would handicap local zoning authorities in their efforts to curb frac sand and iron mining. The mining also contributes to air pollution, raising doubts about the potential health hazards in the area, according to Democrats.
The local chapter of the Sierra Club also opposes the bill. It released a statement saying Tiffany “is taking away the rights of local governments to protect the health and welfare of their citizens.”
Republicans had not released a statement at the time of printing.
