The holidays are behind us but the horrible mining bill still looms ahead. The Assembly Committee on Jobs, Small Business and the Economy held their only scheduled hearing in Milwaukee, betting on strong support from the local manufacturing community and sparse opposition. Instead, they were set back on their heels by the number of citizens who made the 325 mile trip in a snow storm from Northern Wisconsin to passionately voice their opposition - the ratio of opposition to support was 2:1! And they got an earful about not holding a hearing up north.
The public outcry apparently made an impression on the committee, and they scheduled a second hearing in Hurley next Wednesday. It would have been more appropriate to hold the hearing in Ashland, down hill and down stream from the proposed Gogebic Taconite mine, but Hurley will at least provide a reasonable option for all those who will be most affected.
Numbers really do matter - the more people who register or speak against Assembly Bill 426, the greater the chance we can protect the pristine resources of the Penokee Hills. Let your voice be heard next Wednesday. See here for speaking point ideas.
Wednesday, January 11
10:00 a.m.
Hurley Inn
1000 10th Ave N
Hurley
Numbers really do matter - the more people who register or speak against Assembly Bill 426, the greater the chance we can protect the pristine resources of the Penokee Hills. See here for speaking point ideas.
Not So Nice New Year's Present
The first working day of 2012 opened with an unpleasant surprise, the long-dreaded proposal to revise state wetlands regulations. Governor Walker promised a bill as part of his special session last fall, and it finally arrived.
At first blush, it appears to mirror some of the revisions proposed for development in lakes and streams, including fast-track review of permits to alter wetlands with automatic approval if DNR doesn't meet permit deadlines. It also includes some of the provisions in the mining bill, weakening protections for the most critically important wetlands. We'll have a detailed analysis prepared soon, and will keep you informed about hearings once they are scheduled.
