THE BILL THAT would rewrite Maine's metal mining regulations was rejected by the House of Representatives in a 109-36 vote. The Portland Press Herald reported that the vote to reject the complex proposal was preceded by more than two hours of floor speeches. Opponents spoke with conviction that the rules wouldn't do enough to protect against pollution in lakes and rivers, while leaving taxpayers with the cleanup costs. Proponents countered that existing laws have shut down an industry that could employ thousands of workers, including hundreds at an Aroostook County mine.
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