Conservationists Launch Anti-Mine Ad

Conservationists have launched a television ad imploring the state Senate to block a contentious mining bill.

The Republican measure would streamline the state’s mining permitting process. It’s aimed at helping Florida-based Gogebic Taconite open an iron mine just south of Lake Superior.

The state Assembly is expected to consider the bill Thursday. Passage is all but certain, putting the measure in the Senate.

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters’ ad began running statewide Wednesday. The ad asks people to call their senators and tell them to stop the legislation. The ad said the bill would leave families exposed to hazardous chemicals unearthed during the mining operation.

Gogebic Taconite President Bill Williams dismissed the ad as fear-mongering. He said no one has tested the mine site’s chemical composition.