Wisconsin bill proposes frac sand mining surcharge

Wisconsin Rep. Brett Hulsey is quarterbacking an effort to circulate the Responsible Mining Act, which proposes to reimburse communities for the environmental and structural impacts of frac sand mining.

Soon to be introduced in the State Assembly, the bill would charge mining companies $1 per ton of frac sand produced. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would collect the revenue, which would compensate municipalities for damage to roads and wetlands. The legislation would create 10 staff positions within the department to oversee the charges.

The sustainability of frac sand mining in Wisconsin is a concern as the industry expands in the state, said Hulsey in a press release.

"Our sand is the highest quality in the country, so it’s really been growing fast. We’re the Saudi Arabia of frac sand," he said.