Nevada Democrats are taking a softer line on the state’s mining industries, following a year of enacting limitations and rules.
According to the
Las Vegas Sun, the legislature, led by Democrats in the Senate, started a new mining oversight committee, limited tax deductions for mines, and passed a resolution to remove protections in the state constitution for the industry.
But all of that has been put on a back burner now, according to Democratic state Sen. Mo Denis, in line to lead his caucus next year. He said his colleagues understand that mines "play an important role in the economy here in Nevada" and the resolution, which comes up for renewal next year, is no longer a priority .
“Other issues are more pressing than that type of issue,” Denis said. “When it comes to education, the economy, jobs, those will be more of a priority than that.”
Some Democrats, however, don't like the idea of backing off mining issues completely and say the more relaxed attitude about the industry now is tied to election year campaign contributions.
"Large campaign contributions often have the effect of creating amnesia on mining," said state Sen. Sheila Leslie. "It's not surprising to me at all that during campaign season, no one wants to address the core issues around mining."
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