Legislators take action against mine

MADISON, Wis. — Resistance to the Aquila Resources Back Forty Mine project has grown steadily over the past few years, and members of the Wisconsin Legislature have taken notice. 

On Thursday, State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and Representatives Amanda Stuck (D-Appleton), Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) and Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) introduced a bipartisan Joint Resolution opposing the mine project along the Menominee River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, following in the footsteps of many municipalities who have voiced their opposition due to environmental, cultural and economic concerns. 

The resolution contains references to the potential long-term effects which could be caused by pollution from the mine, including the loss of natural resources, species habitats and clean water; the possibility of hazardous wastes degrading water quality and causing risks to human health; the loss of Native American cultural sites and areas of historical significance; and the loss of tourism revenue and reduction of property values along the Menominee River and other affected bodies of water. 

The LRB 3922 Joint Resolution is currently out for review and support, which the legislators sponsoring it are sure it will receive.