Deadline April 19 to provide feedback on Alberta coal policy through an on-line survey
On June 1, 2020, the Alberta government quietly and without public consultation rescinded the long-standing 1976 Coal Policy that placed restrictions on coal mining in the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies Mountains. Tens of thousands of Albertans, First Nations, landowners, farmers, tourism companies and conservationists as well as 28 municipalities voiced strong opposition / concern about the government selling leases for coal mining projects in this area that is the headwaters / water source of millions of people across the prairies. In response, the government of Alberta reinstated the coal policy, but not before approving 6 coal mining projects to proceed to exploration activity. These projects continue to develop through the exploration process, including road building, drilling holes and stripping timber in fragile areas, despite the reinstatement of the coal policy on February 8, 2021.
The Alberta Ministry of Energy has invited Albertas to provide input to a newly formed Coal Policy Committee, an independent group, that will "lead a comprehensive engagement" to "develop a modern coal policy to protect the areas Albertans cherish while allowing responsible resource development in appropriate places". Albertans are invited to provide feedback until April 19th through an online survey, to guide the independent committee.
Several of AEN's member groups have provided their thoughts on the consultation and the survey.
- 8 questions about Alberta's coal policy consultation (Council of Canadians)
- Please Complete the Alberta Government’s Coal Consultation Survey (Alberta Wilderness Association)
- New government coal consultation misses the mark, failing to engage with Albertans on the issues they care most about (CPAWS Northern Alberta & CPAWS Southern Alberta)
The Alberta Environmental Network has partnered with the Council of Canadians to lead a ground and lawn sign campaign. Go to www.albertabeyondcoal.ca to send a letter, order a lawn sign and sign up to volunteer.