Coal exploration stopped in Category 2 lands

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The provincial government has suspended coal exploration in parts of the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, in response to feedback from Albertans.

Through a survey conducted from March 29 to April 19, the province received responses from almost 25,000 Albertans about Alberta’s coal policy. The results showed many Albertans are concerned about coal exploration.

In response, the Coal Policy Committee, an independent group appointed to lead public engagement to inform the development of a “modern coal policy” for the province, recommended coal exploration in Category 2 lands be suspended. Coal exploration and development was previously not allowed in these lands, which exist along the eastern slopes, under the province’s 1976 Coal Policy. This policy was reinstated earlier this year, after it was rescinded by the provincial government.

“We are halting exploration activities in Category 2 lands because we remain steadfast in our commitment to having an open and honest conversation about the long-term approach to coal development in our province,” said Sonya Savage, Alberta’s minister of energy.

The province halting exploration in Category 2 lands was a welcomed announcement, said Katie Morrison, conservation director with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Southern Alberta.

“These important areas should not be subject to unnecessary damage while Albertans are having conversations on the future of this landscape,” said Morrison. However, she added all exploration and development approvals should also be paused in Category 3 and 4 lands, pending creation of a new coal policy.

According to the province, the preliminary analysis of the survey shows most respondents expressed concerns about coal exploration. The “environmental impacts of coal development” and “if and where coal development takes place” were the most important issues as ranked by survey respondents.

Most respondents said there are areas of the province not appropriate for coal development, while one third of respondents said there are areas of the province where development could be appropriate. Most respondents feel there are areas of the province that are not appropriate for coal development, while almost one-third of respondents say there are areas of the province where development could be appropriate.

Survey results are continuing to be reviewed by the Coal Policy Committee, which will help to inform the next steps of the engagement process.