Public hearing held at state Capitol regarding mining bill

MADISON (WITI) — In 2012, a mining bill was shot down by lawmakers in Wisconsin, but now, it is a top priority and residents had the opportunity to share their thoughts on the topic during a public hearing at the state Capitol Wednesday, January 23rd.

Republicans now control the Senate, Assembly and the Governor’s office, and all say the top non-budget priority is passing a mining bill that streamlines regulations and permitting process. The hope is to attract companies to a new mining location just south of Lake Superior -- creating thousands of jobs.

“Mining is at the very top of our list. We pushed hard on that last session and we weren’t able to get it through the Senate, so we’re going to lead off with that,” Rep. Jeff Stone (R – Greendale) said.

Last session, the bill died when Republican Sen. Dale Schultz sided with Democrats, saying the Republican proposal weakened environmental protection.

Rep. JoCasta Zamarippa (D – Milwaukee) sits on the Assembly’s Jobs, Economy and Mining Committee. 

“That will be a bill that will truly challenge the commitment to bipartisanship. I’m looking forward to ensuring that that bill is going to bring jobs here to Wisconsin and at the same time not compromise our natural resources,” Zamarippa said.

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