Mining Moratorium Repeal

Wisconsin currently has a law known as the Mining Moratorium , or the "prove it first" law, which was enacted in 1988 to prevent acid mine drainage from metallic sulfide mining. Before the state will permit potential sulfide mines, the mining company must provide examples of similar mines which operate safely and without environmental damage. So far, no proven examples have been provided. At the time of its passage, the law had bipartisan support. However, State Senator Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, has announced his intention to possibly repeal the law and make it easier to open up sulfide mines in Wisconsin, without first proving that it can be done safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.