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Alberta musician Corb Lund comes out against proposed coal mines in Rocky Mountains

Jan 13, 2021 | 9:44 AM

An Alberta musician is coming out against proposed coal mines for the province’s Rocky Mountains.

Corb Lund, who has sung around the world about cowboy culture and rural life for decades, has released a Facebook video in which he calls the plans short-sighted and a threat.

Alberta’s United Conservative government has revoked a 1976 policy that kept coal mines out of the mountains and eastern slopes of the Rockies.

One mine is currently under review and vast areas of the mountains have been leased for exploration.

Lund, who says he’s done thorough research into the issue, says those plans endanger the ranching lifestyles of his neighbours and the drinking water for millions downstream.

He’s urging people to speak out and oppose open-pit coal mines in the Rockies. 

He also criticized the province for making the changes quietly, without consultation, and says he doesn’t think that’s how you should govern. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2021.

The Canadian Press