A State Senate committee run by Democrats has unveiled a plan that would establish a two-year timeline for mining permits without weakening Wisconsin's environmental laws. Shawn Johnson reports.

There's a chance Republicans will ignore the idea when they return to power in January.

The panel chaired by Janesville Democratic State Senator Tim Cullen began meeting well before the November election but they're finishing their work as Republicans prepare to return to power. Still, Cullen contends the quality of this proposal will speak for itself.

"I believe that by the time January and February comes around, it's going to be very difficult for the Wisconsin legislature to ignore the information and facts that this committee learned and the translation of those facts and information into this bill."

Cullen's proposal is different than a failed Assembly Republican mining bill from last session in a few big ways. That bill called for a one-year permitting process. Cullen's bill would stretch that to two years, allow the DNR to call for a six-month "pause" in the process and include an extra year for a "pre-application" process. The GOP bill rewrote dozens of environmental protections for mining sites. Cullen's leaves them intact. The Republican bill also got rid of contested case hearings where opponents can challenge mining permits before a judge. Cullen’s bill preserves the hearings but limits them to 180 days.

It also calls for the state to collaborate with federal agencies and tribes, a provision backed by Richland Center Republican Senator Dale Schultz.

"It doesn't mean you just fly in, say how are you, we're going to mine, we're opening an office and leave, it means actually sitting down and talking through issues that are important to the tribe."

But whether there are any Republicans who share Schultz's view of things remains to be seen. New Berlin GOP Senator Mary Lazich says she thinks Republicans got it right last session. "I supported that bill and I am still a fan of that bill, so when one is critical of that, I take a bit of an offense."

Lazich's comments echo those of several top Republicans including Governor Walker.

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