Assembly passes mining bill

For nearly 10 hours Republicans and Democrats argued about whether to pass a bill that would make it easier for companies to open mines in Wisconsin.

Rep. Janet Bewley, (D) Ashland said, "We are so blessed to have that water so to imagine anything to happen to it is beyond our ability."

Rep. Mark Honadel/(R) South Milwaukee said, "It doesn't pertain to Republic jobs or Democrat jobs, it pertains to Wisconsin jobs."

 The bill allows Gogebic Taconite to open a mine in Ashland and Iron Counties. 

While Republican argue the mine would create hundreds of much needed jobs, Democrats worry it would severely impact the environment.

Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber/(D) Appleton said, "We know that in this instance there is sulfite in this rock and it will create sulfuric acid drainage from the waste that will be taken out to make this pit."

Rep. Klenke/(R) Green Bay, said "There will be engineers and experts brought in to help understand what happens to water and air in various situations."

The proposed mine would bring $1.2 billion of economic investment to an area where unemployment is in the double digits.

Rep. Klenke said "There will be opportunities for local people which will increase restaurant businesses and hotel businesses."

But one of the key investors in the mine has come under fire in Illinois for polluting ground water. 

Rep. Gary Hebl/(D) Sun Prairie said, "What are we doing when we have a red flag like this from a company that's doing mining in Illinois violating environmental standards and yet we're going to give them a blank check?"

The bill now heads to Governor Walker's office.