Claiming it worsens the state’s already poor climate for mining, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce has come out in opposition to a compromise mining bill in the state Legislature.
WMC said the measure, which has been promoted as a compromise to a bill passed last month in the State Assembly, makes the state’s mining climate worse with additional regulations and unfavorable tax policy.
The bill was introduced earlier this week by State Sens. Dale Schultz, a moderate Republican from Richland Center, and Robert Jauch, a liberal Democrat from Poplar. Their critics contend the bill is not a compromise, but actually an attempt to kill mining in the state.
WMC said the purpose of the Assembly bill, AB426, was to streamline the permitting process and enact other reforms necessary to facilitate safe iron ore mining in Wisconsin. A controversial iron ore mine is under consideration near Hurley, Wis., and its backers claim the project would create 5,600 jobs statewide when fully operational.
The WMC’s primary objections to the Senate bill are a $25 million surtax on the operation of an iron mine in Wisconsin, a provision the organization characterized as a punitive tax burden, and a 540-day permitting process plus a provision for open-ended extensions that defeats the purpose of reform – to provide more certainty to the permitting process.
“Wisconsin need to pass legislation to expedite iron mining,” Scott Manley, environmental policy director for WMC, said in a press release. “This bill actually adds more red tape, more permitting uncertainty, and more upfront taxes.”
Oponents of the proposed mine contend it would cause environmental degredation in one of Wisconsin’s naturally pristine areas, and threatens the quality of life of northern Wisconsin’s Native American populations.
