Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
 
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker signed the “Mining for America” bill into law today at the Rhinelander / Oneida County Airport.  The bill eliminates the “mining moratorium” on the issuance of permits for sulfide ore mining without changing environmental standards.“Mining is a vital piece of Wisconsin’s history and is at the core of our cultural identity,” said Governor Walker. “With this new bill, we’re paying tribute to our state’s rich roots in the field and creating new family-supporting careers in the mining industry, all while protecting our abundant and valuable natural resources.”

Assembly Bill 499 – This bill eliminates the “mining moratorium” on the issuance of permits for the mining of sulfide ore. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources must find that the technology to be used at a proposed mine is capable of resulting in compliance with air, groundwater, surface water, and solid/hazardous waste management laws. Authored by Senator Tom Tiffany (R—Hazelhurst) and Representative Rob Hutton (R—Brookfield), the bill passed the Senate on a vote of 19-14 and was concurred in the Assembly on vote of 53-38. It is Act 134.

 
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