MADISON – The Wisconsin State Senate approved a bill on Tuesday that makes mining jobs and investment one step closer to reality in Wisconsin. Assembly Bill 499 – which repeals Wisconsin’s mining moratorium – was approved last week by state representatives before being passed by the Senate on a 19-14 vote.
The bill – authored by Sen. Tom Tiffany and Rep. Rob Hutton – repeals decades-old requirements that made it all but impossible to mine in the state, even though significant parts of northern Wisconsin would greatly benefit from advanced mining operations.
After the bill was passed, WMC President/CEO Kurt Bauer released the following statement:
“Our state has seen tremendous growth and investment over the last few years, but many parts of northern Wisconsin are still struggling. The repeal of the mining moratorium will be the catalyst for new jobs and opportunity that we have not seen for 20 years.
“With the moratorium repealed, Wisconsin can once again realize its full economic potential because of the great natural resources we have. Additionally, thanks to innovations and new technology, mining can be done while protecting the environment and keeping workers safe.
“Sen. Tiffany and Rep. Hutton should be thanked for their leadership on this legislation, and we applaud the Senate for sending the bill to Gov. Walker’s desk.”
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For more information, contact:
Nick Novak, 608.258.3400
