Alberta keeps decades-old coal policy in place, 4 advanced projects to continue regulatory process
CBC
Nearly two years after it cancelled a decades-old policy that protected parts of the Rockies from coal development, the provincial government says it will keep that policy in place.
That means that any coal development and exploration activities in those areas of the Rockies are blocked for the time being.
Such restrictions will remain in place until the province updates its framework around how it manages its land and natural resources, which is referred to as land use planning. Such moves would require legislative approval and public consultation.
The new ministerial order, taking effect immediately, emerged after a panel spent months consulting on coal mining in the Rocky Mountains.
Two reports that emerged out of that work were released today.
"We accept, in principle, the findings of the committee, and we are well-positioned to act on their recommendations," Energy Minister Sonya Savage said during a press conference on Friday.
"We have heard concerns of Albertans loud and clear."
Four advanced coal projects approved prior to the rescinding of the 1976 policy will be allowed to proceed, though the future of some of those projects — like the Grassy Mountain coal project, recently rejected by the federal government — face uncertain futures.
The other three projects allowed to proceed are Tent Mountain, the Vista coal mine and the Mine 14 project from Summit Coal.
"That doesn't mean they will be approved. Every one of those projects would have to undergo a very extensive regulatory process with a joint review panel process with the federal government," Savage said.
"Companies will have to make decisions on whether or not they would proceed."
Katie Morrison of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society said the move Friday "is a really big step forward," but added it came with a caveat.
"They've kind of kicked the decision down the road to the land use planning process. So it's on pause until land use plans are complete for each region," Morrison said.
"But within that land use planning process, the question of whether coal can or can't go forward in that landscape will be reopened for discussion again."
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