Democratic Leader Peter Barca Blasts Passage of Wisconsin Mining Bill

Calling Thursday's passage of the state mining bill "irresponsible," Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca blasted his Republican colleagues for setting the stage for prolonged legal battles where only the lawyers will win.

“Because Republicans rushed this legislation without including acceptable environmental standards, both sides agree it could cost taxpayers millions of dollars in litigation,” said the Kenosha Democrat, whose district includes part of Mount Pleasant. “Now the only mine we can be certain will open will be a gold mine for Republican lawyers who can get rich defending their flawed law.”

But Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said the legislation will create new jobs without harming the environment.

"Mining is part of Wisconsin’s past and will now be part of Wisconsin’s future," he said in a statement. "I’m proud that the legislation we gave to the governor today will protect the environment and create the thousands of good-paying jobs. 

Vos, whose district includes Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant, said in January that passage of the mining bill would be the top priority of GOP lawmakers.

"I’m pleased that after robust debate and bipartisan input, the Assembly has accomplished one of its main goals for the spring session," he said.

State Rep. Tom Weatherston (R-Caledonia) also praised passage of the bill because the mine will create jobs beyond those in northern Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin needs jobs, and a new mine is expected to bring hundreds of good paying jobs, not just in northern Wisconsin, but also here in southeast Wisconsin,” he said. “This bill will lead to the creation of new jobs while still keeping strong environmental protections in place.”

Their comments came hours after the state Assemby gave final legislative approval to the measure that will pave the way for a large iron mine near Lake Superior. 

The bill dramatically reworks Wisconsin's mining rules, according to Patch's media partners at WISN 12 News. It puts a deadline on a final permit decision and declares any wetland damage as presumed necessary, the station reported.

Supporters say the measure will help create hundreds of jobs.

The bill, which the Senate passed last week, was approved by the Assembly on a a 58-39 vote. It now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who said he will sign it.

"On behalf of the unemployed skilled workers in our state who will benefit from the thousands of mining-related jobs over the next few years, I say thank you for passing a way to streamline the process for safe and environmentally sound mining in Wisconsin," Walker said in a statement.

The bill was passed after two years of debate over whether the proposed mine would harm the environment.

Environmentalists say the bill clears the way for the mine to pollute one of the last pristine areas in the state, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. They appear poised to challenge the legislation in court. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, whose reservation lies just north of the mine site where the Bad River empties into Lake Superior, could pose a potent legal roadblock, the State Journal said.