Bi-Partisan Mining Bill Unveiled, Restores Funding To Local Governments

State Sen. Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) unveiled Tuesday a mining bill that they've introduced as the “Wisconsin Way Mining Reform Act.”

According to a news release, the bill provides both time lines for obtaining a mining permit, while maintaining environmental protections and opportunities for the public to participate in the permitting process.

The bill also calls for allowing 100 percent of proceeds from a mining tax to go to local municipalities affected by mining operations. A proposal under consideration by the state senate only allows 60 percent of the tax proceeds to remain local and sends the other 40 percent to the state's general fund.

The news release contains the following summary of the bill:

Provides Certainty and Predictability in Ferrous Mining Permit Process

• Creates a reasonable timeline with a defined end date for the DNR and the company to complete a mining permit.
• Creates a flexible process with off ramps that allow the DNR and the applicant to pause the timeline to address concerns as they arise.
• Promotes collaboration with both state and federal regulators.
• Streamlines the prospecting permit process.

Protects the public’s right to participate in the permitting process

• Streamlines the contest case process that will maintain the public’s voice.
• Maintains opportunities under current law for citizens to participate in the permit process.

Protects local taxpayers without increasing the overall tax burden for mining companies

• Requires $5 million in up front, guaranteed payments in lieu of property taxes to local communities during the first five years of operation.
• Ensures that the mining company will not have to pay more in taxes than under current law over the life of the mine.
• 100% of the funding would go to the area impacted by the mine.
• 70% for direct payments to offset the costs to taxpayers.
• 20% for a fund to help create a diversification program similar to Minnesota and provides for catastrophic abatement.
• 10% to help offset transportation infrastructure costs.

Bipartisan proposal that strikes a balance between job creation and environmental regulations

• Preserves existing environmental policies that protect our natural resources and our way of life.

Assures that the company will pay the costs of the permit

• The applicant will pay the full cost of the EIS.
• The applicant will pay for DNR staff associated with a mining permit up to $2 million.

Maximizes collaboration with state, federal, tribal and local governments

• If mitigation is necessary and the damaged wetlands are within ceded territory as established by the treaties of 1837 and 1842, then any new project must occur within ceded territory.
• Safeguards process for DNR and the Army Corps of Engineers to work together on mining permits.