Rocky Mountains -- Image from Canadian Press

By Connor Gunn

Province pausing sale of formerly-protected lands for coal development

Jan 18, 2021 | 5:25 PM

EDMONTON, AB– The Alberta Government has heard the voices of thousands of concerned Albertans regarding the sale of land in the Rockies that could lead the development of coal mines.

Minister of Energy Sonya Savage issued a statement on their decision to cancel 11 recently issued coal leases and pause any future coal lease sales in Alberta.

Savage goes on to say, “we have listened carefully to the concerns raised in recent days, and thank those who spoke up with passion. As a result, we will pause future coal lease sales in former Category 2 lands. The coal leases from the December 2020 auction will be cancelled.”

Though under these terms, this decision has no impact on existing coal projects currently under regulatory review.

“This pause will provide our government with the opportunity to ensure that the interests of Albertans, as owners of mineral resources, are protected,” Savage adds.

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She wants it to be clear the government will still look to advance coal production in Alberta.

“Coal development remains an important part of the Western Canadian economy, especially in rural communities, but we are committed to demonstrating that it will only be developed responsibly under Alberta’s modern regulatory standards and processes.”

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