A mining bill that was opposed by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and other tribes in Wisconsin appears to be dead for now.

Republicans pushed the bill, which would make it easier for Gogebic Taconite to build a $1.5 billion open pit iron ore mine next to the Bad River Reservation. But one lawmaker remained a holdout and said he couldn't support a measure that eliminates the ability for people to contest the project under state environmental laws.

"My conscience simply won’t allow me to surrender the existing environmental protections without a full and open public debate," Sen. Dale Schultz (R) said at a press conference, the Associated Press reported.

The legislative session ends in two weeks, leaving few chances for a compromise to be reached. At his press conference, Schultz noted that he met with tribal leaders and residents near the proposed mine who voiced concerns about it.

Get the Story:
Mining legislation appears all but dead (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 3/1)
Wis. senator rejects mining compromise (WEAU-TV 2/29)

An Opinion:
Adam Schmidt: A conservative voice against streamlined mining permits (The Madison Capital Times 3/1)

Related Stories:
Charges dropped for Red Cliff man who drummed at capitol (2/29)
WRN: Bad River Band leading opposition to Wisconsin mine (2/27)
Opinion: Tribal consultation needed for Wisconsin mining bill (2/6)
BIA looks into mining debate that affects tribes in Wisconsin (2/3)
Socialist Worker: Bad River Band protests mining project (2/1)
Mary Pember: Mine in Wisconsin threatens sacred traditions (1/24)