Alberta says ‘modernized’ coal policy coming by late 2025

The Alberta government has announced that it is in the process of developing new rules that will shape the future of coal mining in the province. This comes after the province made the decision to scrap a 1976 policy that restricted coal development in the Eastern Slopes region, leading to public outcry. In response to the backlash, the government reinstated the policy in 2021 and established Alberta’s Coal Policy Committee. The committee released its final report in December 2021, which Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean stated would be used to address its recommendations.

Jean emphasized that if coal mining is allowed, it will only be permitted to the highest standards. He asserted that Alberta’s new standards for coal mining will be among the best globally and in Canada. As part of the new plan, the Alberta government announced that it would significantly raise coal royalty rates on new coal mines.

Under the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative, the province outlined specific standards that coal mining operations must meet to be allowed to proceed. These include prohibiting mountaintop removal mining, banning new open-pit coal mining in the Eastern Slopes, requiring the use of techniques that prevent selenium from entering waterways, and upholding rules for protected areas like national parks and ecological reserves.

However, the new rules do not apply to advanced coal projects, such as the contentious Grassy Mountain project in southern Alberta. Despite opposition from the Municipal District of Ranchland and legal challenges, the Alberta energy ministry has classified the Grassy Mountain project as advanced due to the submission of a project summary and environmental impact assessment several years ago. Some legal experts have questioned this classification, as the original project was rejected and no longer exists.

NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the government’s announcement, describing it as “a giant lump of coal just before Christmas.” He expressed concerns about the environmental risks and lack of economic benefit associated with the plan. The government stated that it would engage with the coal industry to develop regulations but would not conduct further public consultations, citing previous engagement through the Coal Policy Committee. A new coal policy is expected to be finalized by late 2025.

Katie Morrison of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) expressed cautious optimism about the announcement’s potential to prevent new open-pit coal mines in key watersheds but raised concerns about loopholes in the wording of the plan. Northback Holdings, the company behind the Grassy Mountain project, welcomed the policy updates and emphasized their commitment to implementing responsible mining practices.

Overall, the Alberta government’s new rules aim to set higher standards for coal mining in the province while addressing environmental concerns and protecting sensitive areas. The development of these regulations will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the public as the province moves forward with its coal mining policy.