One Wisconsin Now Statements on the Introduction of New Open Pit Mining Legislation

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements on the introduction of new open pit mining legislation:

“Mining special interests spent huge sums to try to buy compliant legislators in the November elections. And today, this bill is about satisfying Gov. Walker’s seemingly insatiable need to fill his campaign money pit, not creating real, sustainable jobs for Wisconsin.”

“It’s clear Gov. Walker is running for President in 2016 and he’s making decisions based on what’s best for his political prospects, not the people of Wisconsin.”

“That’s why he’s cheerleading for an out-of-state mining company demanding legislators gut clean air and water protections to allow them to open a pit mine in Northern Wisconsin.”

“Certain lawsuits and conflicts with federal environmental standards mean that even if Gov. Walker and Republicans succeed in rolling back environmental protections for the mining company, it will be many years before this proposed pit mine creates any jobs.”