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What Is The Issue?

Until recently, open pit coal mining was not a threat to our water system in Alberta. In 1976, a Coal Development Policy was put in place by the Alberta government that protected the very sensitive areas of the headwaters. That policy took 2 years to develop and was created with input from the scientific community and public consultations. It divided the areas of potential interest for coal mining into 4 categories of land. Our headwaters and Rocky Mountains were protected by this policy as they were identified to be in a category of land that was too high risk for this type of activity to take place.  It was recognized there could be no recovery from losing our water source and damage to this environment.

In the spring of 2020, the government of Alberta rescinded this Coal Development Policy with no public consultation or input from First Nations or the scientific community. This action opened the doors for foreign interests to see business opportunities on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. These (mostly) Australian coal mining companies plan to ship the coal to China to use in the production of steel. The headwaters for Alberta rivers (as well as Saskatchewan and Manitoba rivers) are located on these eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. If the headwaters are damaged by the creation of surface mines, then all living things downstream will be at risk. The possibility of damage can arise when the soil, vegetation and the rock (overburden) that covers the vein of coal is removed with heavy machinery and explosives. This overburden is then pushed into adjacent valleys. Whether it is called open pit mining, or mountain top removal…the potential for damage by surface mining in these sensitive areas is extreme. This industry uses a great deal of water, and is expected to use up a large portion of this most precious natural resource. Additionally, selenium poisoning of the water is a likely consequence as demonstrated by this type of mining in the Elk Valley, in BC. Selenium is a mineral that is toxic to fish, wildlife and humans when the level is too high. Deformities have already been noted in the endangered Westslope Cutthroat trout  in BC because of selenium poisoning. Community water wells near the BC mines are no longer safe, and the mining company there has been working hard to correct this problem, however, the technology does not currently exist to remove this toxin from the water.  The threat to our water is threefold: damage to the watershed, increased demand on this precious resource, and poison with selenium.

While this 1976 Policy was not protected as law (previous governments had already issued exemptions) it did describe restrictions for sensitive areas that were viewed as deterrents by coal mining companies and investors. After it was rescinded, extensive exploration (roads and drilling in pristine wilderness) and proposals for surface mining in these sensitive areas became a reality.

Protect Alberta Water and Rocky Mountains.

Say NO to exploration and surface mining on the Eastern Slopes.

THERE ARE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES THAT WILL BE FELT BY ALL ALBERTANS IF SURFACE MINING IS PERMITTED TO PROCEED IN THE HEADWATERS AND SENSITIVE AREAS OF OUR EASTERN SLOPES

These consequences include:

• • The most  significant and far-reaching consequence is the threat to our water. Surface mining will damage our watersheds in the Eastern Slopes, become a heavy user of this precious resource, and poison the water with selenium for generations.

• • Recreational and tourism related businesses will be destroyed. Hiking, camping, hunting, cross country skiing, fishing and many other outdoor activities are at odds with open pit mining and will disappear in these areas. Parks in the region stretching north through the Rockies are threatened as more coal leases are sold.

• • Farms that are dependent on water irrigation systems in arid southern Alberta will be threatened. Crop production is a diverse industry in southern Alberta and operations vary in size from small market operations to large scale commercial farms. All of these operations depend on a source of good water for survival.

• • Our iconic Rocky Mountains will have their tops (or sides)removed by explosives in the process of locating, exposing and extracting the vein of coal that will be sold to China. Regardless of promises made by the coal mining companies, our mountains cannot be replaced.

• • The eastern slopes of southern Alberta is ranching country. Cattle graze in the areas that the mining companies plan to exploit. Not only will the lack of (or selenium poisoned) water be devastating to this industry, but the mines will  destroy the actual grazing lands. The process of open pit mining involves removing the top soil and turf. This turf is currently rich with natural rough fescue. It is a hardy, particularly nutritious plant that sustains cattle and wildlife.  However, once this ancient grass is disturbed, it is very difficult (if not impossible) to remediate.

• • After the turf with the  rough fescue is removed, the top of the mountain is actually removed with explosives. The rubble tumbles down the valley and it is from this rock rubble that the selenium leaches into ground water. Wildlife will no longer be able to survive in the vicinity. Not only is the water they depend on threatened, but their feed as well. The rough fescue that they rely on is important to sustain elk and bighorn sheep through the winter. Roads and heavy machinery will infiltrate the area, threatening wildlife (including grizzly bear and cougar) and push them into areas that are more populated and not suited for their survival.

• • The white bark pine and limber pine are examples of species at risk that are native to the mountains and foothills. They grow at treeline on steep rocky cliffs. When surface mining removes the turf and vegetation, it is not selective. It removes species at risk as well.

• • Health issues will develop from the coal dust. Many Albertans (as well as wildlife and cattle) will suffer the consequences of coal dust taking the place of fresh mountain air.

• • The Eastern Slopes support First Nations traditions including hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, travelling, and cultural practices. Exploration and coal developments will infringe on First Nations Treaty Rights.

• • Alberta will be investing in an industry that will negatively impact our reputation for working to reduce impacts on climate change.

• • Our downstream neighbours in Saskatchewan and Manitoba will be negatively affected. Lawsuits from downstream users in the United States are a current reality as a result of the BC mines. Alberta will logically be at risk from lawsuits as well.

• • Coal prices fluctuate and coal mining companies are in the business to make money. When the price of coal drops, the companies will move out. Alberta will be left with unspeakable environmental damage.

The Alberta government has sold coal mining leases that stretch north through the Eastern Slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.

The risk of surface mining in these areas is too high.

Protect Alberta Water and Rocky Mountains. Say NO to exploration and open pit coal mining on the Eastern Slopes.

Updates – What Is Happening Now?

On February 8, 2021, in response to mounting pressure from the public, the Minister of Energy announced that the Coal Development Policy of 1976 was re-instated, and that the government would plan for public consultation in the development of a modern policy. She made it clear in her announcement, however, that approvals already issued for exploration would not be removed. Additionally, the minister emphasized that the government plans to proceed with metallurgical coal mining and “ensure a path forward for investors”. On February 23, 2021, the Minister of Energy, Sonya Savage, stated in a press release: “Since announcing our commitment to widespread consultation on a modern coal policy for Alberta, we have heard from many passionate Albertans and interested groups who want to be engaged. I’m pleased to announce these public consultations will begin on March 29th. I have directed my department officials to bring forward a comprehensive consultation plan that is by Albertans and for Albertans. The details of the process will be announced before consultations begin.”

On March 29, 2021, Sonya Savage announced the details of how the consultation process will proceed. The goal should be more accurately identified as the development of a Land Use Plan to protect Alberta water and the Eastern Slopes as opposed to a “Modern Coal Policy “ for Alberta. On April 13, a private member’s bill (Bill 214: The Eastern Slopes Protection Act ) was introduced to the Standing Committee on Private Member’s Bills. A private member’s bill must be approved by this committee before it can go the Legislature for debate. Although the actual debate during the committee meeting smacked of party politics and blaming from both sides, the end result was an acknowledgement by all speakers that they had heard from their constituents on this issue. The Committee members unanimously voted to approve the bill to move forward to the Legislature for debate.  However, on April 19, the Alberta Legislature turned down the request for special debate on this Bill 214, which means it will likely die on the order paper. The Alberta Government released the Terms of Reference (dated March 29, but released on April 15) for the committee of 5 members who are expected to lead the public consultation on development of the “modern coal policy”. According to Sonya Savage (Energy Minister): “ by establishing an independent committee, everyone across the province will have their voices heard during this engagement process”. But the Terms of Reference clearly show this will not be allowed to happen. The committee (although deemed to be independent) is instructed not to include anything in the report about water use, quality, land use plans, First Nations concerns, threatened species, or anything else outside the Energy Minister’s portfolio. Many Albertans believe this makes a mockery out of the committee and the consultation process.

 

The Public Engagement Survey that was available to complete online from March 29 to April 19, resulted in over 25,000 completed surveys by Albertans in three weeks. On April 23, Minister of Energy Sonya Savage and Chair of the Committee on coal policy consultation, Ron Wallace, (link) announced that the Committee had reviewed preliminary data from the survey and recommended to the Minister that exploration be halted in Category 2 lands while the public consultation takes place. The Minister acted on that recommendation and halted exploration activity effective immediately in Category 2 lands. Both the Chair of the committee and the Minister of Energy clarified that the committee is indeed independent and they are encouraged to listen to Albertan’s views regarding all effects of coal development. While this can be seen as a very positive step forward, it is interesting to note that the Terms of Reference still do not reflect this. In addition, many Albertans believe strongly that ALL exploration should be halted on the Eastern Slopes, not just in Category 2 lands. The Minister re-stated that the goal is the development of a Coal Policy, not a land use plan for the Eastern Slopes. In May, The High River Town Council sent a letter to all municipalities asking communities to support their proposal for a Coal Restriction Policy. The proposal contained 3 main components:

• • “No further coal exploration or development will be permitted on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta. There will no longer be categories within this area and, instead, there would only be one defined today as the Eastern Slopes;

• • Existing coal mining operations in the Hinton/Grande Cache areas will be permitted to retire gracefully, and;

• • Reclamation of lands disturbed by coal exploration activities with coal exploration permits issued prior to February 8, 2021 must be reclaimed no later than December 31, 2025.”

The High River Town Council will compile the feedback received and submit it to the Coal Policy Committee by July 2021. You can assist this initiative by contacting your council and asking them to support this proposal

The Livingstone Landowners Group released the report of a scientific study they had commissioned, on June 15, 2021. It “concluded that proposed coking coal-mining projects in the eastern slopes will have a significant and irreversible regional-scale environmental impact”. This report will be submitted to the Coal Policy Committee. On June 16, in response to a petition ( signed by 18,000 folks) and put forward by MP Heather McPherson, Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced that the Federal Government will conduct an environmental review of any new coal project that could potentially release selenium into water bodies. Although this is a major step forward, he did not commit to a regional assessment for cumulative effects. On June 17, 2021, the Joint Review Panel for the Grassy Mountain Coal Project, released its report. In its capacity as AER (Alberta Energy Regulator) it has denied Benga Mining Ltd’s applications for this project. It concluded that “the adverse environmental effects on surface water quality and westslope cutthroat trout and its habitat outweigh the positive economic impacts of the project and the project is not in the public interest.” The Panel submitted their report with rationale, conclusions and recommendations to Federal Minister of Environment Jonathan Wilkinson. The denial of the Grassy Mountain mine applications is an important and positive move forward. However 7 other open pit mining project proposals remain. These Australian companies have indicated they will continue to push forward with their proposals for open pit mines in our Eastern Slopes. On June 28, Jonathan Wilkinson announced that the Tent Mountain Coal Mine Project is designated for a Federal Impact Assessment. On July 16, Benga Mining filed a request to the Alberta Court of Appeal in regard to the AER decision to deny the Grassy Mountain Project. The hearing for this application to appeal is expected to be heard on September 9. It may be interesting to note that the next day, Robin Campbell (President of the Coal Association of Canada) a prominent lobbyist for coal mining, wrote a misleading opinion piece in the Calgary Herald, calling the decision of the AER “incomprehensible”. He states that the AER: “ failed to apply appropriately rigorous science-based expertise to specific issues and evidence”. Mr. Campbell has a long background in politics in Alberta, thus it is particularly notable for him to finish his written opinion with the statement: “Every proposal should be reviewed fairly and fully, and a decision made that reflects the true public — not political — interest.” This is one accurate statement in this opinion piece and one that we can all agree with. Please read the response to this opinion piece, by Ian Urquhart. On August 6th, 2021, Jonathan Wilkinson, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, issued the decision statement that the Grassy Mountain Coal Project cannot proceed as it is likely to cause “significant adverse environmental effects” that cannot be justified. It is disheartening to hear that Benga Mining has reportedly said it has plans to review this federal decision with their legal counsel with an eye to applying for a judicial review. The Grassy Mountain Project has now been thoroughly reviewed and denied by both the provincial and federal regulatory bodies, yet Benga Mining is still looking for legal arguments to reverse those decisions. September 19, 2021 was the deadline for public submissions to the Coal Policy Committee. The final report from this committee is due to be submitted to the Minister of Energy by November 15, 2021. November 10, 2021: The deadline for submission of the final report and recommendations of the Coal Committee has been extended until December 31/21. Sonya Savage stated that the details of the reports would be reviewed in detail before being released to the public. Therefore, it is unknown when the reports will be released.

 

December 29, 2021: The Coal Committee submitted the report and recommendations to the Provincial Government.  In response, Sonya Savage announced “The government will take the necessary time to review the reports’ findings and recommendations carefully before they are released publicly.” January 28, 2022:  The Alberta Court of Appeal, announced rejection of the applications to appeal the regulatory decision not to approve permits for the Grassy Mountain project to proceed. The applications had been submitted by Benga Mining, and two area First Nations (Stoney Nakoda and Piikani). Therefore, at this point, the Grassy Mountain open pit mine project cannot move forward. March 4, 2022: The Alberta Government released the long awaited reports of the Coal Committee and it would appear that the government listened to the recommendations. Energy Minister Sonya Savage announced: “Effective immediately, our government is extending the restrictions on coal exploration and development in the Eastern Slopes. I am issuing a new ministerial order that suspends all… all…coal related exploration and development activity in the Eastern Slopes. No new activity will be allowed.……The ministerial order will remain in place until direction on coal activity can be embedded into updated land use plans, tailored to support the unique needs of this area.” Savage continued to say that the 1976 Coal Policy will remain in place. Existing operational mines will continue, and coal projects considered to be in advanced stages of the application/regulatory process will be allowed to proceed through the process. The 4 advanced stage projects are identified as: Grassy Mountain; Tent Mountain; Vista Mine expansion; and Mine 14 (Summit Coal). These projects may or may not be successful in proceeding through the regulatory process or joint review panel process with the Federal government. Nothing in the announcement addressed plans for reclamation of lands already damaged through exploration. While this announcement can be viewed as a step in the right direction, Albertans need to remain vigilant, and become actively engaged in the land use planning and development frameworks, as it is clear that open pit coal mining may indeed be allowed under regional plans. The devastating effects of open pit coal mining will remain a threat until the Eastern Slopes are protected within these Land Use plans developed for each region. July/August, 2022. As clearly stated by CPAWS: “The coal industry and the Governments of Alberta and BC have stated that the regulations are too hard for industry to meet. As a result, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has increased the proposed allowable concentration of toxic substances in the effluent released into our watersheds— endangering fish, other wildlife and habitat across borders. By doing so, ECCC is putting the profits of industry ahead of concerns for the environment.” Canadians should not allow this to go ahead unchallenged. On Thursday September 29, it was announced that the Supreme Court of Canada turned down requests from Benga Mining, Stoney Nakoda and Piikani First Nations, to hear an appeal of the Alberta Energy Regulator’s decision to not allow open pit mining at Grassy Mountain. On January 28 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal had already rejected their application to appeal the regulatory decision not to approve permits for the Grassy Mountain project to proceed. Many Albertans are hopeful that this ends the issue of mining Grassy Mountain. As of January 2023, Albertans have no assurances that the current government has the will to protect our water. Although the ministerial order that put a “pause ” on open pit mining is still in place, the current Energy Minister, Peter Guthrie will not state how long it may remain in place. During her campaign, Premier Danielle Smith made it clear that further considerations of this type of mining (and the ensuing damage to our water sources and mountains) are possible. March 2023, according to CPAWS, “The future of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, and life-giving headwaters is still not secure. ” September 2023: Benga Mining Limited has recently changed its name to Northback Holdings Corporation. Readers will recall Benga Mining was the company that had applications for the Grassy Mountain Coal Project  denied by a joint federal/provincial review and AER in 2021. Benga then filed with the Alberta Court of Appeal to have the decision reversed and that application was rejected in 2022. That should have been the end of discussions of coal mining on Grassy. However, with the recent name change, Northback Holdings, (Benga) made application to the AER on September 6/23 for drilling and water diversion permits on Grassy yet again. According to Graig Snodgrass (Mayor of High River), “both Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz and Energy Minister Brian Jean have assured him they didn’t authorize the regulator to accept Northbank’s applications.”

Protect Alberta Water and Rocky Mountains.

Say NO to exploration and surface mining on the Eastern Slopes.

Images Copyright Callum Gunn, eastcherry

Additional Articles:

• • Prince George Citizen: B.C., federal government deny approval for northern B.C. coal mine By: Arthur Williams Dec. 21, 2022

• • The National Post: Get tough with Canada over cross-border mining contaminants, First Nations tell U.S. By: James McCarten Dec 11, 2022

• • Global News: New Alberta energy minister to keep coal moratorium, consider well cleanup breaks By: Bob Weber Nov.8/22

• • The Narwhal: Teck Resources, B.C. government pressed Ottawa to resist investigation into coal mine pollution By: Ainslie Cruickshank ands Francesca Fionda Nov. 8, 2022.

• • CTV: Pristine Alpine Lake Contaminated by Dust From Mountaintop Coal Mines, Study Shows. By: Bob Weber, Nov 3/22

• • The Narwhal: B.C. has a growing mine waste problem. The risks could be catastrophic By:   Francesca Fionda , July 14, 2022.

• • NPR: How big coal companies avoid cleaning up their messes By: Josh Saul, Zach Mider, Dave Mistich Oct.29/22

• • CBC: New Alberta ministry merging parks with forestry raises red flags for environmental groups By: Joel Dryden Oct. 27/22

• • CBC: First Nations, environmentalists tired of government stonewalling over selenium probe By: Bob Weber Oct. 21/22

• • CTV: Mixed reaction on potential coal mining in Alberta under new premier By: Karsen Marczuk Oct. 20/22

• • CTV: ‘Little window’: Coal mine supporters hope for change under new Alberta premier By: Bob Weber Oct. 19/22

• • CBC: Doubts downstream By: Joel Dryden and Rob Easton, Oct.19/22

• • Edmonton Journal: UCP leadership candidates weigh in on coal mining By: Anna Junker Oct. 2/22

• • CBC: Who Will Clean It Up?  By Rob Easton and Joel Dryden, Aug. 25, 2022

• • CTV: Supreme Court of Canada won’t hear appeals in Alberta coal project case By: Bob Weber Sept.29/22 CPAWS: Regulations must protect the environment , not the coal companies.

• • CTV News: Corb Lund wants UCP front-runners to promise ban on new coal mines: ‘It’s a stupid idea’ By: Sean Amato,  Sept. 21, 2022

• • The Calgary Herald: Australian coal company files nearly $4B lawsuit over Alberta’s ban on new exploration By: Kevin Martin, Sept.21, 2022

• • The Tyee : A New Coal Mine, Caribou, and The BC Government, By Robyn Allan, Rosemary Collard and Jessica Dempsey 19 Sep 2022

• • The Flathead Beacon : Beyond the Border By: Tristan Scott Sept. 7, 2022

• • CBC: Alberta’s selenium review now complete as environmental groups worry about next steps By Joel Dryden August 31, 2022

• • CBC: Who Will Clean It Up?  By Rob Easton and Joel Dryden, Aug. 25, 2022

• • The Globe and Mail: Return to coal or reinvent itself? The simmering feud over an Alberta mining town’s future. By: Kyler Zeleny, July 24, 2022.

• • Canadian Press: U.S. wants Canada to join investigation of cross-border pollution from B.C. Coal mines. By Bob Weber June 15, 2033.

• • CPAWS: Clean up the Coal Exploration Mess. June 2022

• • High River Online: Mayor wants to know where politicians stand on coal mining. By Don McCracken Monday, Jun 06 2022

• • CBC: International commission asks Canada to join probe of selenium flowing from B.C. by: Bob Weber , June 1 2022.

• • The Edmonton Journal: Opinion: Cutting red tape  shouldn’t weaken environmental protections By Lorne Fitch May 27, 2022

• • High River Online: High River is first municipality to  endorse proposal to stop coal mining By Kevin Wallace May 25, 2022

• • CPAWS:Town of  High River passes “A Coal Policy for Alberta,” joining 30 organizations in endorsing a  coal-free future for Alberta May 25, 2022.

• • CPAWS: More details surface on the future of Mine 14, one of the four coal projects labelled as an ‘advanced project’ in March 2022 ; April 29, 2022

• • Nature Alberta Magazine: Coal Mining Update: Kicking the Can Down the Road (Again) Spring 2022 page 11.

• • CBC: Montem Resources exploration of renewable energy project in southwestern Alberta raises questions By: Kylee Pedersen April 25,2022.

• • The Narwhal: How pollution from Canadian coal mines threatens the fish at the heart of communities from B.C. to Idaho By: Ainslie Cruickshank April 23, 2022.

• • Global News: Mining company signs deal with Alberta to turn coal proposal into renewable energy project By: staff at the Canadian Press, April 20, 2022.

• • The Western Producer: Coal battle moves to regional planning By: Robert Miller, April 15, 2022.

• • Western Producer: Water studied on the Eastern Slopes By Doug Ferguson April 14, 2022.

• • The Flathead Beacon: Canadian Coal Mine Ramps Up Efforts to Challenge Montana Water Quality Standard By: Tristan Scott April 4, 2022.

• • Lethbridge News Now: New U of L project focusing on health of water resources on Alberta’s Eastern Slopes By: Justin Goulet, April 2, 2022

• • Chat News Today: Private member’s bill to block coal mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains voted down By: Canadian Press, March 22, 2022.

• • University of Calgary, Faculty of Law: Coal Law and Policy Part Eight: The Results of the Coal Consultation and the Return to the Alberta Land Stewardship Act By: Drew Yewchuk, March 15, 2022

• • The Calgary Herald: UCP blocks proposed Alberta NDP bill to prevent coal mining in Rockies By: Bob Weber, March 14,22

• • CTV: Not achievable: Mining association objects to proposed federal coal effluent rules By: Bob Weber, March 13/22.

• • The Narwhal: What has (and hasn’t) changed for coal mining in Alberta By: Drew Anderson, March 9/22.

• • The Calgary Herald: Corb Lund says province was forced ‘kicking and screaming’ to halt coal development. By:  Josh Aldrich March 8/22

• • High River Online: High River Mayor happy with Coal Policy Report BY: Don MacCracken, March 7/22

• • CBC: Alberta keeps decades-old coal policy in place, 4 advanced projects to continue regulatory process. By: Joel Dryden, March 4, 2022

• • ‘Ban coal mining right now’: Alberta country star says province needs to do more By: Karsen Marczuk March 4, 2022.

• • Lethbridge News Now: New coal mine restrictions announced for Alberta By: David Opinko March 4, 2022.

• • Campbell River Mirror: ‘Predictable and preventable’: Engineer says abandoned logging road contributed to fatal B.C. landslide By: Martha Wickett  Feb.16/22

• • CBC: Proposed federal rules would allow coal mines to release more toxins in their effluent By: Bob Weber, February 13, 2022

• • The Lethbridge Herald: Premier Kenney needs to stop the name-calling. By Lorne Fitch February 5, 2022

• • The Narwhal: Teck is fighting Montana pollution rules it doesn’t have to follow. Why? Look to B.C. By Ainslie Cruickshank, Feb. 2, 2022

• • The Tyee: Kenney Ordered Public Input on Coal Mining. Was It a Sham? Ian Urquhart January 31, 2022.

• • The Tyee: Alberta Court to Australian Coal Baron: You Lose By: Andrew Nikiforuk, January 28,2022

• • Global News: Alberta Court of Appeal denies appeal of regulator’s refusal to approve coal mine. By: Bob Weber January 28, 2022

• • CBC: Mayor fears Rocky Mountain coal-mining concerns will be ignored after meeting Kenney By: Bob Weber, January 27, 2022

• • The Western Producer: Alberta Coal Mining Plan Called Folly By: Robert Miller January 20, 2022.

• • Canadian Institute of Resource Law: Proposed Coal Mining in Alberta: What Happens Next? By Drew Yewchuk, January 15, 2021

• • The Western Producer: Scientist sounds water crisis alarm By: Doug Ferguson, January 6, 2022

• • CPAWS: Recommendations for the future of coal in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains still not public. January 6, 2022

• • AlbertaPolitics.ca :  Don’t Imagine UCP’s Eastern Slopes Coal Mining Plans Have Gone Away – Jason Kenney Still Has His Eyes On That Prize By: David Climenhaga Jan.4,2022

• • CTV Edmonton: ‘It’s like Christmas’: Companies, environmentalists eager to open coal mining reports By: Bob Weber Dec.11/21

• • Lethbridge Now: AB First Nations say coal company misrepresenting relationships to review group; By: Canadian Press. Dec.9/21

• • The Narwhal: Coal provinces ‘co-ordinated’ fight against federal water pollution rules By: Ainslie Cruickshank, November 29, 2021.

• • The Western Producer: Report recommends Eastern Slopes coal ban By: Doug Ferguson November 12, 2021.

• • Global: 6-week extension granted for panel to deliver its report on Rockies coal mining By: Bob Weber, November 10,2021

• • Phys Org: Mountaintop removal worse for endangered species than initially thought By: Defenders of Wildlife, Nov. 4/21

• • The Calgary Herald: Opinion: Foreign money is attempting to influence resource development — for coal mines  By: Kevin Van Tighem  Oct. 30, 2021

• • National Post: Corb Lund, Alberta’s unlikely activist, mounts final resistance against coal mining interests in the Rockies By: Jesse Snyder. Oct. 26, 2021

• • CBC: Instead of a coal mine, this Alberta mountain may now become a ‘green energy complex’ By: Robson Fletcher,  October 20, 2021.

• • The Calgary Herald: Coal report on Albertans’ views to be delayed one month, says panel chairman By: Bob Weber October 19, 2021

• • University of Calgary: Another Year Gone Under the Mine Financial Security Program By: Drew Yewchuk October 19, 2021

• • CTV: Allowing Rocky Mountain coal lease transfers during debate sends wrong signal: group By : Bob Weber, October 8, 2021

• • The Narwhal: Talk of potential sale of Teck coal mines prompts concerns about contamination in B.C.’s Elk Valley By: Ainslie Cruickshank, October 4, 2021

• • CTV: Albertans Concerned About Coal Mining in Eastern Slopes: Leger Poll By: Terry Vogt September 13, 2021

• • CBC: Coal committee hears Albertans want overall policy on Rocky Mountain development By: Bob Weber, Sept.3, 2021

• • US News: Rocky Mountain Dry: Canada’s Waning Water Supply Sows Division in Farm Belt. By: Rod Nickel and Jeff Lewis, Sept. 2, 2021

• • The Edmonton Journal: Opinion: An outright ban should be placed on coal mining in the Eastern Slopes — now. By: Neil Kathol, August 30, 2021

• • Global News: A decade of broken promises: How Canada failed to meet its goal for protecting land and water By: Brian Hill , August 28, 2021

• • The Calgary Herald: Canadian coal company appeals tough U.S. selenium rule as provinces consider mines By: Bob Weber, August 28, 2021

• • The Narwhal: Kenney government urged by Edmonton water utility to halt new coal mines before ‘scientifically rigorous’ review By:  Ainslie Cruickshank, August 27, 2021

• • The Sydney Morning Herald: Gina Rinehart takes Canadian government to court in bid to keep coal dream alive By: Peter Kruijff, August 19,2021.

• • The Tyee: The World Won’t Buy Alberta’s Second-Rate Coal: Experts By: Andrew Nikiforuk, August 10, 2021

• • The Edmonton Journal: Opinion: Grassy Mountain coal mine proposal was wisely rejected By: Lorne Fitch, August 10, 2021

• • Global news: Ottawa blocks development of controversial proposed Alberta coal mine. The Canadian Press: August 7, 2021

• • MYLethbridgeNow: Alberta Environment Minister says province “won’t interfere politically” in Grassy Mountain Coal Mine By: Patrick Siedlecki July 29, 2021

• • Calgary Herald: Opinion: The Grassy Mountain Decision — Anything But Incomprehensible By: Ian Urquhart July 24, 2021

• • Thomson Reuters: Canadian country music star spurs unlikely coalition against coal By: Chris Arsenault July 19, 2021

• • CBC: Company wants to appeal decision that rejected proposed Alberta open pit mine. The Canadian Press, July 17, 2021

• • The Narwhal: Federal watchdog urged to investigate Canada’s ‘longstanding failure’ to stop B.C. Elk Valley coal mine pollution. By: Judith Lavoie July 16/21

• • The Narwhal: A bird’s eye view of coal leases on Alberta’s Rockies eastern slopes By: Sharon J Riley July 10,2021

• • Red Deer Advocate: Opinion: Protecting our Eastern Slopes By Travis Boschman July 6,2021.

• • CTV: Questions raised over water licences for coal mining exploration, company says information ‘factually incorrect’ By:Terry Vogt  July 5,2021

• • High River Online: Livingstone Landowners Pay for Own Water Study of Eastern Slopes: By Don McCracken July 5, 2021

• • Global News: Another Alberta coal project added to federal environmental assessment list By: Bob Weber June 29,2021

• • CBC News: High-tech tools let environmentalists monitor remote development of coal exploration projects Social Sharing By Bob Weber, June 28, 2021

• • The Narwhal: The Inside Story of an Alberta Coal Mine devastated by a financial crisis. By: Sharon J Riley, June 24, 2021

• • Canadian Cattlemen: Open-pit mining on Eastern Slopes one of the biggest issues facing our generation, says rancher By: Piper Whelan, June 24,2021

• • The Lethbridge Herald: Review process in Alberta needs to be revised By: David McIntyre, June 23,2021

• • CBC: Australian coal companies not giving up on southern Alberta mines in wake of Grassy Mountain rejection By: Robson Fletcher, June 22, 2021

• • CBC: Alberta moving forward on two new plans to maintain river water quality By: Janet French June 22, 2021

• • The Western Producer: Report finds long-lasting coal mining impact By Doug Ferguson June 21, 2021

• • High River Online: HigHigh River Mayor Thrilled With Joint Review Panel’s Rejection of Grassy Mountain. By: Don McCracken . June 18, 2021.

• • The Red Deer Advocate: Rally Speakers in Red Deer urge to keep fighting against Alberta coal mining policies. By: Byron Hackett June 18, 2021.

• • Lethbridge  Now: Provincial applications for Grassy Mountain Coal project denied by Joint Review Panel By Tina Karst, June 17, 2021

• • Government of Canada: News Release Joint Review Panel for Grassy Mountain Coal Project Concludes its Review June 17, 2021

• • Report of the Joint Review Panel Benga Mining Limited Grassy Mountain Coal Project June 17, 2021

• • Ecojustice: Environment minister announces all metallurgical coal mines will undergo federal impact assessments, misses opportunity for meaningful regional assessment on Aboriginal and Treaty rights June 16, 2021

• • The National Post: Ottawa to Review New Steel Making Coal Projects in Alberta’s Foothills for Selenium By Bob Weber, June 16, 2021

• • The Toronto Star: Study warns Alberta has failed to consider damage to foothills from coal mining. By Bob Weber June 15, 2021

• • The Tyee: Aussie Coal Mines Pose Big Threat to Southern Alberta’s Water: Study  By: Andrew Nikiforuk June 15, 2021

• • Livingstone Landowners Group: Media Release: Study Concludes Coal Mining in the headwaters should not proceed. June 15, 2021

• • The Council of Canadians:  Alberta Coal Rush: Who will Win and Who Will Lose?( Part 1) By: Natasha Brubaker June 11, 2021.

• • The Council of Canadians:  Alberta Coal Rush: Who will Win and Who Will Lose?( Part 1) By: Natasha Brubaker June 11, 2021.

• • Global:Auditor Scolds Alberta over Mine Clean-Up Fund, How province handles polluted sites. By: Bob Weber, June 10, 2021.

• • Coal Reserves and Coal Mine Economics of the Crowsnest Pass By: Willem Langenberg, PhD., P. Geol., Document submitted to the Coal Policy Committee June 2021

• • CTV: Head of Alberta coal mining panel says trust in regulatory system to be examined By: Bob Weber May 31, 2021

• • The Western Producer: Survey rejects coal mining on Eastern Slopes. By: Doug Ferguson May 20, 2021

• • CTV News: ‘No exploration or development on the Eastern Slopes’: Southern Alberta town takes tough stand on coal . By: Terry Vogt May 18, 2021

• • Global News: Coal mine selenium in bighorn sheep known to Alberta government: scientist By Bob Weber May 11, 2021

• • Global News: Coal mine selenium in bighorn sheep known to Alberta government: scientist By Bob Weber May 11, 2021

• • The Lethbridge Herald: Eastern Slopes mining opponents need to be heard by the provincial government. Opinion. May 6,2021

• • The University of Calgary Faculty of Law: Coal Development Consultation Terms of Reference Revisited By: Arlene Kwasniak May 3,2021

• • The Energy Mix: B.C. First Nation Calls for Federal Environmental Review of Alberta Coal Mine Plan; The Canadian Press, May 2, 2021

• • The Narwhal: How the Global Steel Industry is cutting out coal  By: Sharon J Riley; May 1, 2021

• • The Narwhal: As mining waste leaches into BC coal mines, experts worry new rules will be too little, too late By:  Ainslie Cruikshank , April 28, 2021

• • CTV News:  First Nations, coal companies asking Alberta for better consultation on mines , The Canadian Press, April 27, 2021

• • Calgary Herald: Alberta halts coal exploration in mountains while consultations continue By: Bb Weber April 23, 2021.

• • Global: Alberta didn’t consider impact of Rocky Mountain coal mining on tourism: official By: Bob Weber April 22, 2021

• • The Tyee: Kenney’s Coal ‘Review’ Is Just One More Betrayal By: Andrew Nikiforuk April 21, 2021

• • Global News: Council in Alberta Environment Minister’s town wants improved coal consultation process By: Bob Weber April 21, 2021

• • Alberta Farmer: COAL MINING: Quiet policy change sparks a fast-spreading uproar By: Alexis Kienlen April 19, 2021.

• • Global: Alberta coal consultation terms of reference rule out land use, water concerns By: Bob Weber April 15, 2021

• • Airdrie Today: Opposition Bill Against Coal Mining in Alberta’s Rockies Can Proceed In Legislature By: Bob Weber April 13, 2021

• • Lethbridge Herald: Mining Company’s Assessment Flawed: speaker By: Dale Woodard April 9, 2021

• • Canadian Cattlemen: Selenium from open pit coal mining may pose risk to downstream risk to ag. By: Piper Whelan April 8,2021.

• • Livingstone Landowners: Falsehoods of UCP’s “Party Line” on Coal By: Kevin Van Tighem April 2021

• • Global News: Alberta Opposition says private member’s bill would protect mountains from coal mines By: Bob Weber, April 7,2021.

• • The Council of Canadians: 8 questions about Alberta’s coal policy consultation By: Donya Ziaee April 6, 2021

• • Ecojustice: Tent Mountain coal mine: Niitsitapi Water Protectors, landowners group, environmental orgs urge Canada to designate project for assessment April 6, 2021

• • Cowboy Country Magazine: You Can’t Rebuild a Mountain By: Sid Marty  April 2, 2021

• • University of Calgary School of Public Policy: Oil and Gas+ but Not Coal: Thoughts on Alberta’s Mining Imbroglio by: Rainer Knopff April 1, 2021

• • The Sydney Morning Herald: Abandon Coal Now or Face Catastrophe, US envoy says By: Nick O’Malley April 1, 2021

• • Global News: Alberta Ranchers and landowners launch separate studies on coal mining impacts By: Jill Croteau April 1, 2021

• • CPAWS: New government coal consultation misses the mark, failing to engage with Albertans on the issues they care most about. March 30, 2021

• • Global News: Alberta government announces 5-member consultation committee, online survey By: Bob Weber. March 29, 2021

• • The Western Producer: Alberta Producers launch coal mining studies By: Doug Ferguson. March 28, 2021

• • Calgary Herald: Opinion: When No means No in mining Alberta’s treasured Eastern Slopes By: Lorne Fitch and Kevin Van Tighem March 27, 2021

• • Coal Company Teck fined $60 M for contaminating BC rivers ; Canadian Press March 26, 2021

• • Global: Piikani Nation members want more involvement in Alberta’s public coal consultations By: Eloise Therien March 25,2021

• • Taber Times: MD Concerned about coal production effects on Water By: Cole Parkinson March 24,2021

• • MSN: Coal Exploration Approvals Already Exceed Legal Road Thresholds, data suggests. By: Bob Weber March 24, 2021

• • Global News:  Nixon says no plans for Water Changes in southwestern Alberta By: Bob Weber March 18, 2021

• • Reuters:Methane from upcoming coal mines could impact climate more than US coal plants: report By: Timothy Gardner , March18, 2021

• • National Onserver:Energy Minister promises Albertans will have their say on Coal Mining  by: Bob Weber March 17, 2021

• • Canadian Press: NDP Proposes legislation to ban coal mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains; March 15, 2021

• • Globe and Mail: Ottawa Asked to Step into Coal-Review By: Bob Weber March 10, 2021

• • The Lethbridge Herald: Coal IndustryLobbied Hard to Change Coal Policy By: Tim Kalinowski, March 9, 2021

• • The Red Deer Advocate: Biologist Urges Clearwater County to take a stand against Nordegg Coal Mining . By: Lana Michelin March 8, 2021

• • Mountain View Today: Concerns with plans for coal mining remain By: Simon Ducatel March 8, 2021

• • Edmonton Journal: Opinion: Albertans’ love of the eastern slopes is in our DNA By: Lorne Fitch March 6, 2021

• • The Calgary Herald: Coal Mining in Alberta: Where do we go from here? By: Amanda Stephenson, March 6, 2021

• • Alberta Wilderness: The Eastern Slopes Six Coal Projects Must Be “Paused Indefinitely” By: Ian Urquhart March 5, 2021.

• • The Tyee: When is Mountaintop Removal not Mountaintop Removal? In Alberta, Of Course! By: Andrew Nikiforuk. March 5, 2021

• • Small Caps: Montem Resources’ test work confirms ‘tier one’  quality coking coal at Chinook By: Robin Bromby  March 4, 2021.

• • Pincher Creek Echo: MD Council directs administration to stay at forefront of coal, water conversations. By: Riley Cassidy. March 2, 2021

• • Canadian Cattlemen: Reinstatement of Coal Policy not enough, say Alberta ranchers. By: Piper Whelan. February 26, 2021.

• • The Narwhal: Here’s why Alberta’s ban on mountaintop-removal mining won’t affect proposed coal mines in the Rockies By: Sharon J. Riley February 25,2021

• • Calgary Herald: Opinion: What Alberta

• • The Line: Kenney tried to get between Albertans and their mountains. Never do that. By: Jen February 12, 2021

• • Shootin’ the breeze: “Adjusting water allocation will create opportunities for good jobs” says MLA by Sean Oliver February 11, 2021

• • The Tyee: Don’t be fooled, Alberta is still playing the coal game. By Andrew Nikiforuk February 10, 2021

• • The Narwhal: How backlash led Alberta’s UCP to reverse course on Rockies coal miningBy: Sharon J. Riley February 10, 2021.

• • RD News Now: Miner ponders imp-act of restoration of coal protection policy in Alberta . The Canadian Press February 10, 2021

• • Rocky Mountain Outlook: Banff Council Calls on Alberta Government to Immediately Stop Existing Coal Exploration By: Cathy Ellis February 9, 2021

• • Global News: Saskatchewan Environmental Groups Welcome Reinstatement of Alberta Coal Policy By: Ryan Kessler February 9, 2021

• • Global News: Doubts Raised Over Protections from Reinstated 1976 Alberta Coal Policy By: Bob Weber February 9, 2021

• • The Guardian. “This land feeds our souls”: The Battle to Save the Rockies from Big Coal. By: Leyland Cecco February 9,2021

• • The Tyee : Critics Skeptical as Alberta Reverses Course on Open Pit Mines By: Andrew Nikiforuk Feb.8, 20

• • CBC: Alberta Reverses Direction on Coal Development and Reinstates 1976 Policy, for now. By: Robson Fletcher February 8, 2021

• • The Narwhal: An Alberta county drafted big tourism plans. Then came the coal leases. By: Sharon J. Riley February 6, 2021

• • The Canadian Press: Saskatchewan NDP concerned over Alberta coal mining; asks province to intervene Feb.5/2021

• • Global News: Mining for the Truth (3 part series) By: Jill Croteau February 2,3,4, 2021

• • Edmonton Journal: Alberta Premier Jason Kenney defends Rockies Coal Policy, Calls Old Protections a ‘dead letter’.  February 3,2021

• • CBC: Town of High River asks Alberta for Stop-Work Orderon Coal Exploration in Mountains. By Bob Weber February 1, 2021

• • CTV: Alberta promises close watch on new mines but cuts oversight of coal-polluted rivers By Bob Weber February 1, 2021

• • High Country News: Mountaintop Removal Threatens Traditional Blackfoot Territory By: Rosalyn LaPier February 1, 2021

• • The Narwhal: Alberta’s “Back Door” Plan to Free Up Water for Coal Mines Raises Alarm By: Sharon J. Riley Feb.1, 2021

• • Blood tribe: Community Notice – Blood tribe Statement on Coal Policy By: Joey Sugai January 28, 2021

• • Red Deer Advocate: ‘This is a terrible thing that’s been done to us’: Approved coal leases in west-central Alberta a concern By: Lana Michelin January 26.2021

• • The Tyee: Loads of Coal Disinformation from the Kenney Government By Andrew Nikiforuk January 25, 2021.

• • Livingstone Landowners: Response to the Environment Minister’s January 18, 2021 letter Commenting on the Rescission of the Coal Policy: By Gavin Fitch January 2021

• • Contaminant from coal mines already high in some Alberta rivers: unreported data  By Bob Weber January 25, 2021

• • You don’t want to live next door to a coal mine. By David Savage January 24, 2021

• • Montem Resources hits thick coal seams in Canadian coping coal drilling by Robert Bromby – January 21, 2021

• • ‘I feel the government is trying to trick Albertans’: Former civil servant on sudden coal lease cancellations  CBC News · Posted: January 19, 2021

• • Alberta’s Cancelled Coal Leases Called a ‘Trick’   By: Andrew Nikiforuk   January 19, 2021

• • CPAWS response to the Announcement by Alberta’s Minister of Energy, Sonya Savage,  on January 18, 2021

• • “Morally and ethically wrong”: Court to hear Challenge to Alberta Coal Policy Removal. By: Bob Weber January 17, 2021

• • Western Stock Growers Association News: Alberta Mountain Top Removal Open Pit Coal Mining Policy  (with links and references) January 2021

• • Corb Lund: Mountains, Not Mines by: Corb Lund January 12, 2021

• • Alpine Club of Canada: Act Now to Stop The Grassy Mountain Coal Mine by: Brenda Davison January 11, 2021

• • Calgary CTV: Coal Exploration Around Parks Raises Questions About Future Recreation by: Bob Weber,  January 8,2021

• • The Narwhal:Canada’s Ecosystem Hotspots: Rockies, Hudson Bay among areas Flagged for Protection. By Brian Owens January 5, 2021

• • Outdoor Canada: Alberta To Allow New Coal Strip Mines that Could Kill Four Blue Ribbon Trout Rivers. By: Kevin Van Tighem January 5, 2021

• • The Narwhal: Alberta is Planning New Mountain Top Removal Coal Mines. Here’s What That Looks Like. By: Sharon J. Riley December 20, 2020

• • Alberta Awards 11 Coal Leases in SW Alberta for $36 a Hectare. By: Kim Siever December 18, 2020.

• • Medicine Hat News Commentary. Letter to the Editor: “First They Come For the Coal…” By: Lorne Fitch December 11, 2020

• • CBC: Alberta Government Wants to Rewrite the Water Use Rules Along Eastern Slopes of Rockies. By: Drew Anderson December 7, 2020.

• • The Tyee: Threatened By Coal, Rancher’s Take the Kenney Government to Court. By: Andrew Nikiforuk December 7, 2020.

• • Alberta Wilderness: Continuing the Sacrifice of the Eastern Slopes to Old King Coal. December 4, 2020

• • The Tyee: BC’s Coal Mining Has Failed to Deliver, Finds report. By: Andrew Nikiforuk December 3, 2020

• • Alberta Wilderness: Meet the Australian Companies behind the Grassy Mountain Project. November 30, 2020

• • CBC: Historic Alberta Coal Community Wrestles With Plans for New Mining. By: Tony Seskus, Robson Fletcher October 27, 2020

• • The Tyee: Alberta’s Environment Minister Cheered on Coal Mining in New Areas before Restrictions Were Dropped  By: Andrew Nikiforuk August 12, 2020

• • Alberta Energy Regulator’s permitting process proves to be anything but rigorous  By: Becky Best-Bertwistle, Katie Morrison and Drew Yewchuck July 10, 2020

• • The Lethbridge Herald:The Risks of Surface Mining by Richard Quinlan July 22, 2020

• • CBC: Bringing Coal Back by Robson Fletcher, Drew Anderson, & Jordan Omstead. July7, 2020

• • APTN: Regional Chief says First Nations Not Consulted as Alberta loosens Open Pit Mining Rules. By: Chris Stewart May 25,2020

• • Alberta Views: The Plans to Strip-Mine Coal in the Mountains: A threat to the Eastern Slopes watershed by: Kevin Van Tighem, July1, 2019

• • Yale Environment 360: From Canadian Coal Mines, Toxic Pollution That Knows No Borders By Chloe Williams April 1, 2019

• • Environmental hazard assessment of Benga Mining’s proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project  2019

• • National Observer: Alberta to Consider Mountaintop Coal Mine for Company Facing Environmental Probe The Canadian Press, September 24, 2015

Brought to you by a Concerned Albertan

protectalbertawater@gmail.com