Organizations plan to bus people to mining bill hearing in Madison Wednesday

There will be a joint hearing Wednesday in Madison for people on both sides of the controversial bill to sound off. Hundreds are expected to attend.

Proponents say, the bill allows for a predictable and practical method to obtaining mining permits in Wisconsin. Environmentalists say the bill weakens environmental protections.

"We're trying to get as many concerned citizens from around the state down to Madison to talk to lawmakers about this devistatingly flawed open pit mining bill," says Staush Grusznyski of the Wisconsin League of Conservative Voters.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's chamber of commerce, disagrees.

"We believe and are very comfortable that the very robust and rigerous environmental review process that's contemplated by this bill will meet that test," says Vice President of Government Relations Scott Manley.

Organizations both for and against the bill plan to bus people to Madison from across the state.

Adding fuel to the fire, Senator Tim Cullen (D- Janesville) unveiled his own mining bill Tuesday that he says will protect environmental requirments while providing some certainty to mining companies.

In a statement, Sen. Cullen says, "I stand by this bill as a realistic solution to the mining industry's request for certainty."

No word on when or if a public hearing will be scheduled for that bill.

If Senate Bill 1 is passed, it could make room for an open pit, iron ore mine in Northern Wisconsin. Wednesday's hearing will start at 9 a.m. and run until the last voice is heard.