Wisconsin Business Coalition Supports Iron Mining Reform

Note to Wisconsin Reporters and Editors:
A broad coalition of business groups today urged Assembly passage of iron mining reforms contained in AB 426. Please see the full memo below or go to www.wmc.org for more information.
TO: Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly
FROM:
Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin
Associated Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc.
Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin
Independent Business Association of Wisconsin
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
Midwest Food Processors Association Inc.
Tavern League of Wisconsin
Water Quality Association of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Bankers Association
Wisconsin Cast Metals Association
Wisconsin Economic Development Association
Wisconsin Grocers Association, Inc.
Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce
Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association
Wisconsin Petroleum Council
Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association
Wisconsin Realtors Association
Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Wisconsin Retail Council
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
Wisconsin Utilities Association
Wisconsin Utility Investors
DATE: January 26, 2012
RE: Support for Assembly Bill 426
In December we wrote to the Legislature asking for the introduction and enactment of a mining bill which would allow Wisconsin to take advantage of an historic job creation and economic development opportunity without sacrificing the environment. The passage of Assembly Bill 426, as amended, would answer our call.
We applaud the decision to increase the percentage of the net proceeds occupation tax going to the investment and local impact fund to 60%. The positive impact of a mine on our local communities both in jobs and in tax revenues cannot be overstated.
Enactment of the bill will help create thousands of Wisconsin jobs for generations to come while ensuring appropriate environmental safeguards. AB 426’s wetlands and Great Lakes Compact related sections, as amended, ensure protection of our water resources.
The amended bill provides a clear and timely process for iron mining permit reviews, while giving state and federal regulators the tools necessary to ensure the environment is protected.
On behalf of the thousands of businesses and workers we represent in your districts, we urge you to support the enactment of the amended AB 426.
You have an opportunity to literally change the standard of living in Northern Wisconsin with high-paying, long-term jobs. The positive impact of the Gogebic mining project will be felt by workers and small businesses throughout the entire state, and will allow Wisconsin to take an important step forward toward economic recovery.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request. We hope we can count on you to support this important legislation.
Related Material:
PDF of Memo