ACTION ALERT: Sulfide Mining Bill(s) Update

Wisconsin's bi-partisan "Prove It First" mining law has long protected our woods and waters from the pollution associated with sulfide mining.  And because of these protections, our clean water has been vital to the economic growth of our tourism and agricultural industries, and the healthy drinking water our communities depend on.

 

Current laws have also protected Wisconin taxpayers from having to pay to clean up someone else's mess, long after a mine has been shut down or a mining company has filed for bankruptcy.

 

Right now, two bills attempting to repeal the "Prove It First" law and the protection it affords Wisconsinites are working their way through our state legislature.  Senate Bill 395 narrowly passed the Senate Committee on Sporting Heritage, Mining, and Forestry by a 3-2 vote.  It could be brought to the floor of the Senate as early as October 31.

 

The Assembly version of the bill (AB 499) will have a hearing before the Assembly Committee on Labor on Friday, October 13 at 10:00 am (Room 412 East at the Capitol in Madison).

 

A quick internet search of "sulfide mining pollution" clearly shows the dangers this type of mining presents to our economy and the health of our communities.

 

SB 395 and AB 499 are extremely risky proposals that could harm our state for years to come.  Be sure to take a moment and tell your legislators (you can find them here - use the box in the upper right) how important clean water is to you and ask them to vote "NO" on SB 395 and AB 499.

 

 

Trout angling in the Driftless Area relies on clean water - and it has an economic impact of $1.6 billion annually!

Angling in Wisconsin relies on clean water - and our over 1.2 million anglers directly spend over $1.4 billion annually!

Outdoor recreation is driven by access to clean water - and in Wisconsin outdoor recreation generates $17.9 billion in consumer spending annually!