Push to end sulfide mining moratorium in Wisconsin
Gov. Scott Walker voted to ban copper and gold mining in Wisconsin two decades ago. Now he may be asked to lift the one of-a-kind prohibition as his fellow Republicans push to continue opening up the states north woods to mining.
Conservationists have warned pollution from mining for so-called sulfide ores such as copper, zinc and gold could devastate northern Wisconsins water one of the reasons the Legislature adopted a de facto moratorium on such mines in 1998. But after relaxing the states iron mining laws four years ago, GOP lawmakers have introduced a bill that would lift the prohibition. They say they want to jump-start the economy in the rural, sparsely populated northern half of the state.
The measure could put Walker in a tough situation, forced to choose between sticking with his long-ago vote when he was in the Assembly or signing the bill in hopes of sparking a slumbering industry. Supporting the measure would be a reversal he might have to explain on the campaign trail next year.
Support for repeal (of the moratorium) would be a complete contradiction and a clear indication that the governor is not concerned about people and wildlife being exposed to toxic pollutants, said Sarah Barry, a lobbyist for environmental advocacy group Clean Wisconsin.
So far, Walker hasnt said what hell do.
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2017/09/push-to-end-sulfide-mining-moratorium-in-wisconsin/