Assembly set to vote on mining in March

MADISON (AP) - Republican leaders in the state Assembly say they'll probably vote on a contentious mining bill during the first week in March.

A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says leaders are aiming for March 6.

The Legislature's budget committee is set to vote on the bill on Monday. Approval would clear the way for full votes in both the state Senate and Assembly. The Senate is expected to take up the bill on Wednesday.

Passage is all but certain. The GOP controls both houses and Republican Gov. Scott Walker backs the bill.

The proposal is designed to clear the regulatory path for a huge iron mine near Lake Superior. Democrats and conservationists say the bill will open the door to pollution that would ruin the pristine area.