Coal policy engagement launches

The provincial government is launching public consultation on changes to its coal policy, including a new public survey.

The provincial government announced it was rescinding the 1976 Coal Policy last spring. But this led to opposition from many residents and stakeholders, including a legal challenge by Siksika Nation, as the change would open more of the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains to coal exploration and development. The government then announced on Feb. 8 it was reinstating the policy and is now looking to develop a “modern coal policy.”

The independent Coal Policy Committee has been appointed to lead an engagement process and inform the creation of this new coal policy. Members include Albertans from different backgrounds and perspectives. Ron Wallace, an expert on regulatory policies related to environmental assessment and monitoring, is chairing the committee. He is a permanent member of the National Energy Board and has served on other regulatory boards dealing with energy and environmental issues.

Other members include Fred Bradley, a former Conservative Alberta environment minister under Premier Peter Lougheed; Natalie Charlton, Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce executive director; Bill Trafford, Livingstone Landowners’ Group president; and Eric North Peigan, business owner and Piikani Nation member.

Albertans are invited to share their thoughts in a survey to help inform their engagement process. This survey, open until April 19, is available online at alberta.ca/coal-policy-engagement.aspx.

At the end of the engagement process, the committee will provide a report to the provincial minister of energy.