Lawmakers react to proposed mining bill

Governor Scott Walker talked about the bill during a stop in Green Bay as part of the first leg of his State of the State tour.

Both Democrats and Republicans are sounding off on the proposed bill. Republicans say it could bring much needed jobs, but Democrats are worried about the impact it could make on environmental standards.

"We're pushing legislation that will allow us to streamling the process for safe and environmentally sound mining in the state," says Gov. Walker.

According to the Governor, the bill would allow a predictable and practical method to obtain mining permits in Wisconsin, but environmentalists say, the bill weakens environmental protections.

"If passed, this bill could have disastrous consequences for Wisconsin's environment and our families," reads a statement from Clean Wisconsin.

Rep. Gordon Hintz (D) , a member of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining, agrees.

"I think it's fair that we get answers to some of the questions. We need to find that balance between economic development and permitting process and environmental management," says Hintz.

Republican Rep. Jon Nygren says, federal environmental standards will stay in place no matter what the bill says.

"The sticking point with the mining bill last time was more politics because the governor was facing a recall, and there was that issue hanging over his head," says Nygren.

The 2013 bill comes in at 206 pages, even the memo describing the changes the bill will make is 40 pages long.

Walker says, he expects Democrats and Republicans to come together on the issue, but he does have one condition.

"My line in the sand is, it's gotta be a bill that ultimately leads to a mine," says Walker.

If passed, the bill could lead to the creation of a $1.5 billion open pit iron ore mine in Northern Wisconsin.