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An Upper Peninsula lawmaker is pushing a bill she sponsored in order to guide sound, long-term mining policy in the state.
State Representative Sara Cambensy of Marquette testified Wednesday at a House Committee hearing on her proposed Mining Bill.
Cambensy’s House Bill 4227 seeks to strengthen and develop a sustainable mining, minerals and aggregate industry in Michigan by creating the Committee on Michigan’s Mining Future.
“It was great to see a diverse group of industry, labor, research and school officials testify in support of my bill in Lansing today. Collectively, we were able to tell our story on why state support for mining and aggregates is critical in order to grow and sustain our economy,” said Cambensy. “Our ability to work together on infrastructure, energy, transportation, research, and development at the state level will cultivate the long-term success of the industry for generations to come. Coordination among our stakeholders in mining through HB 4227 creates the forum that’s needed to address complex challenges from legacy costs to regulation and taxation. Understanding that we can have 21st century mining in Michigan while protecting our environment is key to moving this bill forward. Today that discussion was formally started in committee and I’m pleased with the amount of positive feedback and support my office has received.”
Cambensy introduced her bill the same month that Cleveland Cliff’s recent state of the company address was held in Marquette, which discussed the possible reopening of the Empire Mine.
“While we cannot control the global market, we can create a climate that encourages a responsible, sustainable mining industry, so that we are ready when a window of opportunity opens,” Cambensy said. “In Michigan, sound state policies that promote investment while protecting our environment will help Michigan avoid missed opportunities in the future.”
Since Cambensy’s bill was introduced, it has generated a tremendous amount of support from community leaders and other stakeholders. Matt Johnson of Eagle Mine; Chad Korpi, Dan Ruokolainen and Michael Grondz of United Steelworkers Local 4950; Ryan Underwood and Mike Gregory of United Steelworkers Local 4974; and NICE
Superintendent Bryan DeAugustine traveled down to Lansing from the Upper Peninsula to testify in support of the bill. Patrick Bloom of Cleveland Cliffs; Steve Claywell of Building Trades; and Dr. Stephen Kesler, Geologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, also testified in favor of Cambensy’s bill.
