Wisconsin: Walkers latest "budget" is greatest dismantling of environmental protection in history.

[Scuba]

I just heard the most amazing thing on Wisconsin Public Radio.

The discussion was about a proposed stripmine, and provisions in the Walker budget that limit public access to information about the mine. One clause specifically prevents the DNR from assessing or commenting on the environmental information provided by mine owners.

While I have not read this myself, it was stated by a seemingly knowledgable caller, and confirmed by Professor Mladenoff (see guest info below). Both men agreed that the bill was the largest undoing of environmental protections in history.

Here's the link to the WPR blurb on the show...

http://www.wpr.org/cardin/index.cfm?strDirection=Prev&dteShowDate=2011%2D06%2D08%2007%3A00%3A00%2E0

<snip>

A new iron mine could be in the cards for Northern Wisconsin, and lawmakers are working on a bill that would shorten the permit process. After six, Joy Cardin gets two takes on the regulation changes.

Guests:

6:00 - Matt Fifield (FIE-field), Managing Director, Gogebic Taconite ( go-GIBB-ik TACK-uh-night) http://gogebictaconite.com/

6:30 - David Mladenoff (MLAD-en-off), professor of forest biology, UW-Madison. His piece on mining regulations, Wisconsin State Journal: http://wpr.org/r/?543

<end snip>

When the program becomes available for delayed listening, I'll repost.

[babylonsister]

1. Rec'd for more eyes; I hope all Wisconsinites get a load of this. nt

[HereSince1628]

2. Everday in everyway this legislature is sending WI backwards

It's disheartening to see how fragile our progress was

[postulater]

3. I heard that too.

Mladenoff thankfully pointed out that the bigger issue than the mine was the rolling back of regulations.

Walker touts the mine as a jobs program, he should think about the loss of jobs after the Chicago tourists stop coming to northern Wisconsin because of the damage he is doing to the environment.