Rematch shaping up over mining bill

MADISON (AP) - A rematch is shaping up at the Wisconsin Legislature over proposed streamlining of Wisconsin's mine permitting laws this winter.

Leaders from northern Wisconsin communities pleaded for environmental protections at a hearing of a special legislative committee Thursday.

Officials with the Wisconsin Mining Association also testified before the state Senate Select Committee on Mining. They presented a consultant's report critical of current permitting laws.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports Republicans on the committee say the GOP will test its new majorities by trying to again pass the mining bill that failed last session..

Gov. Scott Walker said this week that Gogebic Taconite, the company that wanted to build a mine near Lake Superior but pulled out after the bill failed, is interested in returning if the legislation eases its way.