MADISON (WKOW) -- Governor Scott Walker has signed a bill into law that relaxes Wisconsin's mining regulations.
Walker signed the measure Monday at Oldenburg Group Inc., a Rhinelander mining equipment manufacturer.
Walker and state Republican lawmakers have been working for the better part of two years to pass a bill that would allow Gogebic Taconite to open an iron ore mine near Lake Superior.
Republicans say the mine will bring thousands of jobs to the state. Critics are concerned about the mine's environmental impact.
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is considering a legal challenge as well as occupying the mine site.
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MADISON (WKOW) – Governor Scott Walker will sign a bill that relaxes Wisconsin's mining regulations into law.
Walker is scheduled to sign the mining bill into law Monday afternoon at Oldenburg Group Inc., a mining equipment manufacturer in Rhinelander. He will also sign the bill at a ceremonial signing in Milwaukee later in the day.
Gov. Walker's signature will put the finishing touch on a major victory for Walker and his fellow Republicans. The Republicans have been working on crafting a bill to help Gogebic Taconite open an iron mine near Lake Superior for about two years.
Conservationists contend the mine would pollute the pristine region, but Republicans believe the mine will create thousands of jobs. Opponents have said they will challenge the measure in court.
Walker has embraced the project as one of his top job creation efforts.
