Walker calls on Legislature to pass mining bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker is calling on the Legislature to pass a bill making it easier for an iron mine to open in northern Wisconsin.

Walker made the plea in his State of the State speech delivered Wednesday night.

The Republican-controlled Assembly is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday and it is expected to pass despite Democratic opposition.

They and others are concerned about the effects of the project on the environment.

But Walker said in his speech to lawmakers that it holds the promise of creating hundreds of jobs and would be good for the state’s economy.

It’s unclear if the bill has enough support to pass the Republican-controlled Senate.

Read more on the mining bill

• Gogebic Taconite reduces number of test holes
• Activists set up training for mine protest
• Board to take up mining scope statement
• Gogebic Taconite applies for mining permit
• Vos, Fitzgerald tout mining bill at GOP convention
• Proposed mine still years from opening
• Volatile mining industry raises questions
• View from around the state: Boon or disaster? Let mining experts study and report
• Walker signs mining bill (UPDATE)
• View from around the state: Process of writing mining legislation flawed