(Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press and rdnewsNOW staff

albertan voices heard

Alberta halts coal exploration in Rockies while consultations ongoing

Apr 23, 2021 | 1:58 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta is immediately halting exploration in the Rocky Mountains while it continues to consult the public about coal mines.

A panel struck to carry out consultations says it is responding to concerns raised by Albertans, including those who participated in an online survey.

The province says almost 25,000 Albertans participated in the survey between March 29 and April 19.

It says an initial review of the results shows many Albertans have significant concerns about coal exploration.

Energy Minister Sonya Savage has directed coal companies to stop exploration and the companies have indicated they will co-operate.

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“Thank you to the thousands of Albertans who took part in the initial survey,” said Savage on Friday. “Your voices are being heard. 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.”

Ron Wallace, Coal Policy Committee Chair, says this is a necessary first step in ensuring public engagement can continue in good faith.

“Our committee has made that recommendation to the minister and she has accepted it,” he said. “Now that the minister has established this moratorium on exploration, we encourage all Albertans to continue to participate with our committee in the widespread public engagement over the coming months as we develop our broader policy recommendations.”

The survey and panel were created by the United Conservative government after it faced intense resistance to its plan to dramatically expand open-pit coal mining in the province’s summits and foothills.

Preliminary analysis found the majority of respondents feel management of the province’s coal resources affect them.

“Environmental impacts of coal development” and “if and where coal development takes place” were ranked by respondents as the top issues of importance when discussing Alberta’s coal policy.

More information will become available in the near future as the Coal Policy Committee continues to review the survey results.

(with files from The Canadian Press)