Analyzing the Impacts of Industrial Sand

The April 2013 issue of Wisconsin Interest, the magazine published by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, has an article making an economic and environmental argument in favor of frac sand mining. The article, “Mining Success,” also discusses the impact the sand industry has had on local governing boards.

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Governor Walker Signs Historic Mining Reform Bill

Gov. Walker has signed into law Senate Bill 1, which streamlines the permitting process for safe and environmentally sound iron mining. Along with signing the bill, Governor Walker released the following statement: Wisconsin’s seal and the state flag both depict mining in our great state. In light of our mining tradition, I’m thrilled to sign […]

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Mining Bill Passes Legislature

This evening, after 9.5 hours of debate, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 58-39 to approve a comprehensive iron mining bill, which, when signed by the Governor, will usher in a mining renaissance in Wisconsin. SB1 would create new statutes to govern ferrous (iron) mining, which is currently regulated in the same manner as non-ferrous (non-iron minerals […]

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Mining Bill on the Assembly Floor Today

The mining bill, SB1, is being debated on the Assembly floor today. The bill is expected to pass this evening, after the 9.5 hours of scheduled debate expires. This is the last legislative step in the lawmaking process as the Senate passed the bill on February 27. Assembly approval would send the bill to Gov. Walker […]

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Mining Bills Headed to Joint Finance Committee

On February 6 the Senate Committee on Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining, and Revenue and the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining both met to amend the mining bill, AB1/SB1, and move it forward in the legislative process. Numerous amendments were made to the bill in response to concerns raised during hearings on AB1/SB1 and […]

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Agency Budget Request Highlights

Agency budget requests for the 2013-15 biennial budget bill have been submitted to the Department of Administration (DOA) for review. Requests approved by the Governor will be included in his budget bill, which is expected to be introduced in January 2013. While the bulk of the agency requests submitted to date generally relate to standard […]

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