Wisconsin tribal communities say mining legislation threatens land, water, tradition

In Madison, Wisconsin, people filled a contentious public hearing at the capitol today to express opposition to state legislation that would weaken environmental regulation and pave the way for a massive iron ore mine in the northwest of the state, near Lake Superior.

Supporters of the mine, to be operated by Gogebic Taconite mining company, say it would create much-needed jobs for the state. But critics say it could damage vital water resources and threaten tribal land in the area.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s review of legislative records, staff of Republican lawmakers worked alongside lobbyists with Gogebic Taconite in order to draft legislation in 2011, but it failed to become law then.

Today’s public hearing was in front of the state Senate and Assembly mining committees as lawmakers consider legislation this term.

Some of those who attended the hearing are from the Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians, one the communities near the site of the iron mine. For more, we go to Odanah, Wisconsin to speak with Cherie Pero, a member of the Bad River Band.