Alberta town endorses community developed policy saying no to coal mining in Rockies
A southern Alberta town has become what it says is the first municipality to endorse a community-developed policy that calls for a permanent ban on new coal exploration and development in the Rocky Mountains.
"We've always wanted to keep our involvement in continuing this fight until we've reached the finish line – and we're a long ways away from that yet,'' Craig Snodgrass, mayor of High River, said in an interview Wednesday.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society said High River has joined 30 organizations in signing a document called "A Coal Policy for Alberta – 2022 and Beyond.''
Katie Morrison, executive director for the southern Alberta chapter of the society, said the document draws on a resolution made by the town of High River last year.
"It really did address clearly how we could address the concerns of Albertans and permanently prohibit coal in Alberta and immediately make that step,'' Morrison said.
The policy, she said, outlines ways to deal with Albertans' concerns by saying no to new coal exploration and mines, phasing out existing coal mines and coming up with a remediation plan for lands disturbed by mining.
Snodgrass said the document keeps the conversation about coal going.
"This group that put this document together did an excellent job and it's just the next step of what needs to happen to fulfil the wishes of Albertans in putting an end to coal mining.''
The policy was created with input from a wide range of Albertans, including Indigenous groups, hunters, anglers, ranchers, rural landowners, businesses, conservationists and recreationists.
"The government and all parties should reflect on the directives in this policy and adopt them and implement them toward a new modern coal policy for the province,'' said Morrison.
The United Conservative government two years ago revoked protection from coal development on the summits and foothills in southwestern Alberta that had been in place since 1976.
Thousands of hectares were quickly leased for exploration, but a public outcry forced the government to halt those activities and pause lease sales.
A statement from Alberta Energy said the government listened to Albertans and put strong new restrictions in place to protect the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
"In March, a ministerial order was implemented that extended the restrictions on coal exploration and development to protect the eastern slopes until new or updated land-use plans are in place,'' said the statement. "The reinstated 1976 coal policy also remains in place.
"Our approach is based on the reports and recommendations of the coal policy committee, which spoke directly to Albertans about coal, and which we fully accepted.''
Ron Wallace, who was the chairman of the committee, said he's pleased the government accepted its recommendations.
"We're looking forward very much to seeing policies and procedures that are brought forward by the government of Alberta that actually implement those recommendations,'' he said.
Wallace said he has received a copy of the community document.
"It looks like their work is pretty much based upon and consistent with the work of the coal policy committee,'' he said. "In that regard, I am really pleased to see the momentum and the interest that is going forward on this file.
"This report will be of value to the government of Alberta as it develops its implementation plans to deal with our recommendations."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2022
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.