MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin Senate Republican Glenn Grothman said he would have listened to environmental opponents of the proposed mining bill – but they didn’t contact him.

The liberal group One Wisconsin Now complained that mining opponents did not have the same privilege as Gogebic Taconite did in drafting the legislation.

Gogebic is the Florida company that seeks to open a large iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties.

Senator Grothman, of West Bend, said he only heard from the Wisconsin Wetlands Federation while the latest package was being drafted. And that was only after a resident had asked the group to call the lawmaker.

One Wisconsin Now and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Gogebic officials helped write the law they would follow if it passes. The firm reportedly came up with changes in wetland, stream, and groundwater regulations.

Democrats have criticized those changes, saying they’ll result in a relaxing of environmental protections. Republicans have denied that.