MADISON (WRN) A controversial mining bill is scheduled for action in the state Assembly Thursday, and Republicans are vowing to pass the measure. Majority Leader Scott Suder dismisses claims by opponents that environmental protections will go by the wayside. “What we’re doing is creating a reasonable permitting process, and a timeline that doesn’t compromise environmental integrity,” says Suder.
The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is running a statewide television ad campaign, highlighting concerns that the legislation enabling an open-pit iron ore mine will damage the state’s groundwater resources. “It specifically states in the bill, that contamination of our groundwater supplies – in Wisconsin this is where we get our drinking water – it’s permissible by a mining company,” says the league’s Ann Sayers. “It specifically states that the state of Wisconsin must approve a project, even if we know that it endangers public health.”
