Assembly to Introduce Mining Legislation
Committee on Jobs, Economy, and Small Business to hold December Hearing
Madison— Today, Representative Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin), along with his Republican colleagues, have announced the introduction of mining legislation that will enable Wisconsin to tap nearly 2.2 billion tons of iron ore in Northern Wisconsin and create thousands of jobs across the state.
“This bill not only guarantees that our state’s natural resources are being used properly, but it also ensures that thousands of citizens will be given an opportunity of new employment,” said Kuglitsch. “The enactment of an iron ore mining law, if done properly, does not have to be a drain on the environment as some suggest. Rather this can be a tool to employ citizens in Iron County, along with citizens here in the 84th Assembly District.”
The Penokee Range is said to contain 2.2 billion tons of iron ore, but under current law this is not able to be tapped. As seen in our neighboring states, this type of mining can be done effectively and responsibly, without the use of chemicals or any other process that would harm the surrounding communities.
“I believe it would be foolish not to take up this important piece of legislation as soon as possible,” said Kuglitsch. “The creation of 3,000 construction jobs and between 2,800 and 5,600 mining jobs with a large economic impact shouldn’t be a partisan issue, or an issue Wisconsin can afford to pass up. I look forward to hearing this bill in committee and ushering it along in the assembly.
The Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy, and Small Business plans to take up the bill this month, with a possible vote shortly after that.
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