Conservationists launch anti-mine ad

MADISON (AP) - A group of conservationists have launched a television ad imploring the state Senate to block a contentious mining bill.

The Republican measure would streamline the state's mining permitting process. It's aimed at helping Florida-based Gogebic Taconite open an iron mine just south of Lake Superior.

The state Assembly is expected to pass the bill Thursday. The bill would then move to the Senate.

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters ' ad began running statewide Wednesday. The ad asks people to call their senators and tell them to stop the legislation, saying it would leave families exposed to hazardous chemicals unearthed during the mining operation.

Here is the ad:

Gogebic Taconite President Bill Williams dismissed the ad as fear-mongering. He says no one has tested the mine site's chemical composition.