Walker wins, mining legislation is back in play

[lutefisk]

So, Walker gives the chairman of the mining association an office in the DOA, at taxpayer expense. That didn't take long..

A proposed mine-permitting bill that came to a noisy demise in the state Legislature last session has quietly been given new life by Gov. Scott Walker, who initiated a process that could see mining legislation taken up once again by lawmakers when they convene early next year.

Tim Sullivan, chairman of the Wisconsin Mining Association, said Walker charged him with spearheading an effort to examine Wisconsin’s mining laws and learn about mine permitting in other states. That, he said, likely will lead to the formation of a panel to draw up a new proposal to streamline Wisconsin’s permitting process for iron mines, which has been criticized as too cumbersome and lengthy.

Sullivan was appointed as a special consultant by Walker and took up residence in an office in the state Department of Administration. The Mining Association is a pro-mining foundation formed last year by mining-related and other businesses to advocate for and educate the public about mining.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/environment/walker-others-back-to-work-on-possible-mining-legislation/article_1eb2cbc8-b809-11e1-a975-001a4bcf887a.html

[Big Tent]

1. The Mine

I am all for the mining as long as environment standards remain in place. The locals and the tribes should be a part of the process in any mining decision as their neighboring property value is directly effected by a mine. Also the mining companies have to wait 10 years in the present form, I favor them dropping that requirement to 5 years. The reality is that the time limit is not the issue, it is the mining company being held liable for potential environmental damages. The mines are not going to create jobs for at least another century, unless the state basically strips all regulations out and gives major subsidies paid for by citizens of Wisconsin to start the mining right away.

[ewagner]

2. I think Sen Jauch

is working on a plan along with at least one Republican Senator to write an environmentally responsible mining bill. If Dems control the Senate, they can play "goalie" against any mining company written piece of legislation that comes down the line as well as put their own version on the table.

[sybylla]

3. Even then, how do you trust Wanker with his line-item veto.

NO Fucking Way I would pass a fucking thing until I knew he wouldn't fuck it over.

[ewagner]

4. In this case,

I wouldn't trust Walker but I would expect that with Dems controlling the Senate there would have to be some log-rolling taking place that would keep Walker from double-crossing like he normally does...

IOW...you sign this as we passed it and we'll give you something you want...but...you sign first.