The Alberta government has lifted its coal mining moratorium, sparking criticism and concerns about environmental impacts and legal battles.
Alberta: The government has quietly lifted its moratorium on new coal exploration in the eastern Rocky Mountains. Critics are saying this move opens the door for renewed coal mining.
Energy Minister Brian Jean mentioned that this decision aims to clear up regulatory confusion. He also noted that companies will need to show how they can prevent toxic selenium from affecting local watersheds, but that policy is still in the works.
Interestingly, five coal companies are currently suing the Alberta government for over $15 billion, claiming they lost money due to the shifting policies. They’re set to appear in court this spring.
Concerns about coal mining really ramped up in 2020 when the province tried to lift protections that had been in place since 1976. After a lot of public outcry, the government reinstated those protections.
However, Nigel Bankes, a law professor, pointed out that aside from protected lands, it’s pretty much open season for coal development now. He believes this move might help the government in the ongoing legal battles.
Bankes also warned that people living downstream from potential mining sites should be worried. He said many thought coal mining was a done deal, but it seems the government has other ideas.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society noted that this change could allow new coal exploration on over 1,880 square kilometers of land as soon as spring. This includes a contentious project in Crowsnest Pass that’s moving through the approval process.
Conservationists are saying the government’s decision is premature, especially since they were supposed to be developing a new coal policy. It looks like companies can now jump back into the process without clear guidelines.
Opposition NDP environment critic Sarah Elmeligi expressed concerns that the UCP is creating confusion while opening up the eastern slopes for coal mining. She believes this goes against the promise to protect those areas.
