State Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, says he’s optimistic about the future of mining in Wisconsin.
However, the chair of the Senate Select Committee on Mining, urges lawmakers to get a realistic grasp on the timeframe of creating a new mine and jobs. He said according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it takes about six years for a new mine to open.
Cullen talked about mining on Sunday’s “UpFront with Mike Gousha,” produced in conjunction with WisPolitics.com.
Also, for those opposed to mines due to environmental concerns, Wisconsin has strict regulations protecting natural resources, according to Cullen.
“To get a permit here or in Minnesota or Michigan for that matter you have to show that the mining company can protect the resources,” he said. “This permitting process isn’t complicated. You are asking the mining company, `How are you going to mine. Secondly, how are you going to clean up the mess after you leave?’ Mining creates piles of unneeded earth that they have dug up to get the 20 percent that is iron ore. How are you going to handle the other 80 percent?”
Watch the show for more:
http://www.wisn.com/politics/upfront
