Board to take up mining scope statement

Previously approved by Gov. Walker

MADISON, Wis. — The state Natural Resources Board is scheduled to vote next week on a scope statement for rules implementing Republican changes to Wisconsin’s mining regulations.

Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill in March that relaxes mining requirements to help Gogebic Taconite open a giant iron mine just south of Lake Superior.

State agencies implement laws through administrative rules. Scope statements offer a broad overview of the rules’ objectives and economic impact on small businesses.

The mining scope statement notes the rules are designed to implement the new law and they shouldn’t have any impact on small businesses.

Walker approved the statement two days after the law was published. The Natural Resources Board is set to vote on the statement at meeting in Madison on May 22.