Thompson Sells Out Wisconsin's Resources to Mining Interests, cont.

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Controversial material has been presented in this report; however, we hope readers will consider these charges carefully.  They have not been leveled lightly.  We ask our readers to check the sources referenced, consider the clarity of the evidence provided and demand specific counter arguments from the officials involved.  Don't let them respond with platitudes: "Wisconsin has the toughest mining laws in the country" or "The mining company will have to prove they can mine safely or they won't get a permit."  These assurances mean nothing with a regulatory authority predisposed to allow a mine to go forward.

Unless a convincing defense to each of our charges can be provided, the people of Wisconsin should demand an immediate cessation of such corrupting practices and return to the clean politics of earlier days by instituting the recommendations listed below.  We cannot stand by and watch our state go the way of destruction seen all across the globe wherever these mining companies seek to enrich their investors at the expense of the local population's political freedoms, economic independence and the very air they breathe and water they drink.(38,39,40,41)

 
Recommendations

1.  Restore the political independence of the DNR to make the DNR Secretary a position which answers to a Seven-member Natural Resources Board consisting of citizens appointed by the Governor and Legislature, serving staggered 6-year terms.

2.  Restore the Wisconsin Public Intervenor's Office to watchdog the actions of the DNR, and intervene, if necessary, to protect public rights in natural resources.

3.  Campaign Finance Reform that includes:

•  Limits on campaign spending together with sufficient public financing to make the spending limits work.
•  Limit out-of-district contributions to 10% of the total raised.
•  Limit special interest contributions and specifically prohibit corporate contributions.
•  Lower the costs of electioneering, such as making free media available for candidates.

• Demand compliance with Mining Moratorium Law before processing lengthy permit application.
• Require binding ublic referendum before finalizing local agreement.
• Eliminate the right of elected officials to unilaterally sign away established zoning and land use rights established by the community.
• Apply RCRA Sub. C hazardous waste containment criteria to mine tailings facilities
• Establish perpetual Mine Disaster Emergency Fund at no less than the $5.00 per ton approved by the Senate committee.
• Honor tribal right to establish ground and water quality standards.
• Provide sufficient resources to assure local communities the ability to set and enforce their own environmental standards and zoning regulations without the threat of economic blackmail from multinational corporations.
• Revise Mining Impact Fund allocation guidelines to support all communities impacted by mining activities.
• Establish a reasonable taxation system or profit sharing formulae for resource extraction to give state and local governments a meaningful stake in the projects proposed.
• Honor principles of open government to all mining regulatory processes.

Revise mineral rights disclosure laws to assure all landowners know their rights to the resources beneath their land.

The following sections of this report discuss key details:

  Report Overview and Introduction
  The Timeline and Issues
  More Mining Issues
  The Mining Money Trail
  Methodology and References