It is reported that conservationists, business leaders and tribal leaders squared off recently at the first public hearing on a Republican bill designed to kick-start an iron mine in far North Western Wisconsin.
The battle lines over Gogebic Taconite plans for an iron mine in the Penokee Hills just south of Lake Superior have been clear for months. Supporters insist the mine will be an economic god-send, creating hundreds of good-paying jobs that will re-energize the impoverished region. Environmentalists and tribal leaders, though, worry the mine will contaminate one of the most pristine regions in the state.
The dispute has grown into one of the most contentious environmental debates Wisconsin has seen in years. Assembly Republicans opened another front in the fight last week when they introduced sweeping legislation that would ease the state's rigorous mining permit process for Gogebic Taconite.
Scores of people on both sides spent hours waiting for a chance to sound off in front of the Assembly jobs committee Wednesday inside a state fair park pavilion. Committee aides said 150 people had registered to speak by mid-afternoon.
One of the first was Ms Shirl LaBarre who runs a plumbing business with her husband in Hayward. She pleaded with the committee to pass the bill, saying people in northern Wisconsin are desperate for work.
She said that "I respect the earth. I respect the water. (But) we've got to have jobs. There's nothing now. It's relatively simple. It seems like you guys are making it more difficult."
Mr John Senda chairman of the Iron County Republican Party called North Western Wisconsin economy dysfunctional. He said the area is totally reliant on tourism and those jobs pay next to nothing. He said the region has seen mining in the past and the environment hasn't suffered. Conservationists are resorting to scare tactics.
Mr Marvin DeFoe is vice chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior whose reservation lies about 75 miles north of the proposed mine site. He told the committee he was speaking for the fish and the trees. He said that "My people would rather have clean water than a job. If we just focus on one element jobs we're going to miss the harm we cause."
Mr Glenn Stoddard an attorney for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior ripped the bill too, saying it was written specifically for one company. He warned the committee that even if the bill passes the Legislature jobs won't materialize for years because Gogebic Taconite still must obtain federal permits. He added that "It's a cruel hoax to say this is about jobs."
The Penokee Hills run from Michigan's Upper Peninsula through Wisconsin Iron and Ashland counties, where the unemployment rate is about 10% more than 2 percentage points higher than the state rate.
(Sourced from www.adn.com)
