by WRN Contributor | Oct 31, 2017
A bill to repeal the state’s so-called “mining moratorium” is ready for a vote by the state Assembly. It passed out of the Assembly Labor Committee on a 6-3 party line vote, with criticism from Democrats including Milwaukee Representative Christine...
by Bob Hague | Oct 13, 2017
An unusual Friday hearing was scheduled, for an Assembly bill that would end Wisconsin’s so-called moratorium on sulfide mining. State Representative Rob Hutton is the bill’s author. “This legislation simply creates a platform, with support from the DNR,...
by Bob Hague | Oct 4, 2017
A state Senate committee has passed a bill that would end Wisconsin’s so-called moratorium on sulfide mining. The legislation (SB 395) passed the Sporting Heritage, Mining and Forestry Committee on Wednesday, over the objections of Democrat, Senator Jon...
by Bob Hague | Sep 7, 2017
Lawmakers will hold a public hearing on mining, Thursday in northern Wisconsin. A proposal to end Wisconsin’s so-called “mining moratorium” — which requires companies provide proof that they have operated nonpolluting mines before they begin...
by Bob Hague | Mar 4, 2014
Legislation that could impact the future of frac sand mining was the subject of a hearing Monday at the Capitol. A bill from Republican state Senator Tom Tiffany would bar local governments from imposing new mine zoning ordinances that would be more restrictive than...
by Andrew Beckett | Oct 24, 2013
Proposed legislation that could limit the ability of local governments to place restrictions on nearby non-metallic mining operations drew hours of testimony at the Capitol Thursday, as dozens of people filled a hearing room and overflow areas to speak on the bill....
by Bob Hague | Mar 11, 2013
Governor Scott Walker says new mining law means new jobs for Wisconsin. Walker signed a bill, which rewrites the state’s mining laws, Monday at Oldenburg Group, a mining equipment manufacturer in Rhinelander. The Republican governor conceded that new law will be...
by Andrew Beckett | Mar 11, 2013
Governor Scott Walker will officially sign controversial mining legislation into law this afternoon, during a ceremony in Rhinelander. The legislation, which was given final approval in the state Assembly last week, streamlines the permitting process for iron ore...
by Bob Hague | Mar 8, 2013
After a day long debate, the state Assembly passed a controversial mining bill on Thursday. Republicans like Mark Honadel of South Milwaukee promised jobs – and dismissed Democrat arguments regarding environmental degradation. “The state of Wisconsin is...
by Jackie Johnson | Mar 7, 2013
Wisconsin Indians are determined to stop the mining project. The head of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indian tribe says he’ll use “every avenue of resistance” in his efforts to stop the proposed iron ore mine from being built upstream...
by Brian Moon | Mar 7, 2013
It’s been revealed that the owner of Gogebic Taconite, which wants to build an iron ore mine in Northern Wisconsin, is in hot water by officials in Illinois over a coal mine there. Illinois environmental regulators say the billionaire’s firm is dragging...
by Andrew Beckett | Mar 7, 2013
A long debate is expected in the state Assembly today, as lawmakers get ready to take up a controversial mining bill. The Assembly is the last stop for the legislation, which would relax the permitting process for a proposed iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin. State...
by WRN Contributor | Mar 6, 2013
The state Assembly is expected to take up and approve the mining bill on Thursday, less than two months after it was introduced at the Capitol. Despite a fast moving timeline, one lawmaker denies it’s being rushed through the process. State Senator Rick Gudex...
by Jackie Johnson | Feb 28, 2013
The state Senate passes controversial legislation clearing the way for a possible iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin in Iron and Ashland Counties. On the same day lawmakers were debating the issue, Wisconsin Indians chanted, danced, and drummed in the Capitol Rotunda...
by Andrew Beckett | Feb 27, 2013
The state Senate has signed off on controversial legislation that would clear the way for a possible iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin. Democrats spent hours on Wednesday trying to amend the bill, with provisions targeting issues such as where waste rock can be...
by Jackie Johnson | Feb 27, 2013
As lawmakers debate the mining bill, native Americans converge in Madison to voice their opposition. Normally occupied by the Solidarity Singers, the Capitol Rotunda was packed over the lunch hour with Indians from up north as well as many onlookers. Marvin Defoe is a...
by Andrew Beckett | Feb 27, 2013
Proposed mining legislation faces a crucial test at the Capitol today. The bill, which would streamline the permitting process for a proposed iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin, is set to go before the state Senate for a vote. Supporters of the proposal are hoping to...
by Andrew Beckett | Feb 26, 2013
As lawmakers get set to vote on proposed mining legislation, a new poll indicates the bill is losing support among Wisconsin voters The survey done by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters found opposition to a Republican-backed mining bill has grown in the past...
by Andrew Beckett | Feb 25, 2013
A key legislative committee has signed-off on a bill that would make it easier for a proposed iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin to win state approval. The Joint Finance Committee approved the proposal Monday on a 12-4 party line vote. Majority Republicans rejected...
by Bob Hague | Feb 25, 2013
Controversial legislation which would overhaul Wisconsin’s mining regulations remains on the fast track at the Capitol, even as opponents continue to raise concerns on the possible environmental consequences that a massive open-pit iron ore mine would have on...
