The Alberta government has lifted a ban on coal exploration in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
The decision is being widely panned by environmental advocates.
Last week, at the same time protesters were gathered in Calgary opposing the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine near Crowsnest Pass, Alberta’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Brian Jean, quietly ordered the Alberta Energy Regulator to lift the ban on coal exploration, allowing previously suspended projects to resume.
The decision was made public Monday, when most Albertans were paying attention to events in Washington, D.C.
Katie Morrison, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, said the decision jeopardizes Alberta’s natural resources and tourism.
“It essentially opens up the entire Eastern Slopes to new coal development again. So, everywhere from the Crowsnest to Grande Prairie, any of those coal leases that exist in that landscape are now open for new coal development,” Morrison said.
“Albertans were really clear with this, with the government, the previous government, that coal is not what we see as the future of this iconic landscape that is part of the Alberta identity. People have worked so hard, people from all backgrounds spoke loud and clear and I think people, myself included, are feeling gutted.”
The province maintains that new coal mining regulations are still being developed.
In an emailed statement, Jean downplayed the significance of the move.
“This ministerial order is essentially a housekeeping change,” Jean said.
In 2022, Alberta banned coal exploration after public backlash, but several coal companies sued the province for damages exceeding $16 billion.
Speaking from Washington, D.C., Premier Danielle Smith defended lifting the ban, citing the potential financial risks to taxpayers.
“If you look at the lawsuits that have been filed at $16 billion in potential liability, you have to take that seriously, and we have to make sure taxpayers are protected,” Smith said.
“We can address the environmental concerns, but we have to be prepared to work with industry partners, so that we can get these things developed.”
Nigel Bankes, professor emeritus of law and energy at the University of Calgary, says the decision prioritizes foreign interests over Albertans.
“The competing interests here are Australian coal interests and everyone living downstream from those headwater coal projects who face the risks,” Bankes said.
“Agribusinesses that require clean water irrigation, breweries that want clean water, anglers who want uncontaminated water in which to fish and people who don’t want to see viewscapes marred by coal mines. Apparently, we can’t mar viewscapes with wind turbines, but it’s okay to put in coal mines and associated exploration infrastructure.”
The Coal Association of Canada welcomed the move, saying it will create jobs and generate revenue for rural communities and the government.
“It provides good-paying jobs, tax revenue and royalties,” said Robin Campbell, president of the association.
“It’s important for everybody that we have a vibrant industry. We have some of the best metallurgic coal in the world—steelmaking coal—and demand for steel isn’t going away.”
Country musician and activist Corb Lund has fought hard against mining on the Eastern Slopes.
He is upset by the provincial move and urges all Albertans to remain vigilant.
“The mines are coming, and anybody in southern Alberta who cares about agriculture or water quality should take a serious look at this,” Lund said.
“This is a big deal, and it’s really going to affect southern Alberta.”
Jean says the government remains committed to finalizing new coal regulations later this year.
Until then, he says existing rules prohibit mountaintop removal mining for coal, a practice that has never occurred in Alberta.
