Alberta's Energy Minister Sonya Savage (Government of Alberta)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta reinstating 1976 coal policy

Feb 8, 2021 | 11:06 AM

EDMONTON, AB – After hearing many concerns from Albertans, the provincial government will be reinstating the 1976 coal policy.

Monday’s announcement includes reinstating the four coal categories, which dictated where and how coal leasing, exploration and development could occur.

Coal mining has become a divisive issue in the province, with many people opposed and others in support of the industry.

READ MORE: Public opposition growing: Petitions against Alberta coal mines top 100K signatures

Recently, before Monday’s announcement, Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf issued a statement in response to concerns he’s heard from constituents.

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READ MORE: Neudorf responds to concerns around coal mining

Lethbridge News Now conducted a poll over the weekend, asking members of the community what they thought of the rescinding 1976 Coal Policy.

In addition to the reinstatement of the 1976 coal policy, Minister of Energy Sonya Savage has issued a directive to the Alberta Energy Regulator so that:

• No mountaintop removal will be permitted and all of the restrictions under the 1976 coal categories are to apply, including all restrictions on surface mining in Category 2 lands.
• All future coal exploration approvals on Category 2 lands will be prohibited pending widespread consultations on a new coal policy.

Current exploration on Category 2 lands will continue, as per the 1976 coal policy.

Of the six coal projects currently being explored in those lands, four began exploration under the 1976 coal policy. Two applications were approved after the 1976 coal policy was rescinded.

Coal lease sales on category 2 lands remain paused.

“Albertans have spoken loud and clear and we have heard them,” said Minister Savage.

“Alberta’s government is absolutely committed to protecting the majestic Eastern Slopes and the surrounding natural environment.”

She noted that not only will the province reinstate the full 1976 coal policy, but officials will implement further protections and consult with Albertans on a new, more modern and updated coal policy. Savage said more details on the public consultations for a new policy will be released in the “weeks ahead”, but the process is one that will take time.

Savage’s announcement can be viewed below.