LANSING, MI-- U.P. lawmakers have coordinated efforts to pass a bill that eases regulations on small copper mines.
The Michigan Senate approved a bill Thursday sponsored by Senator Tom Casperson that would make changes to existing law to streamline the regulatory process for smaller native copper mining operations.
Casperson says the bill would establish regulatory controls specifically for small mines, which do not pose the same risks as large scale mines, but are currently overseen by the same strict standards. He says the bill would help the mines overcome burdensome regulatory hurdles, while maintaining necessary environmental protections and public health and safety.
State Representatives John Kivela, Scott Dianda, and Beau LaFave all support the measure.
