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AER Greenlights Grassy Mountain Coal Exploration

We are disappointed by the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) recent decision to grant coal exploration permits for Grassy Mountain. Northback Holdings’ previous coal mine proposal for Grassy Mountain was rejected by a joint provincial AND federal review panel for being “not in the public’s interest” due to environmental, economic, and Indigenous rights concerns.

While these recent permit approvals are for coal exploration (which still has negative environmental impacts), not for a coal mine (yet), this decision restarts a coal project that was previously dead in the water.

Here are just a few reasons we continue to be baffled by the Government of Alberta’s clear push to move coal forward:

• 70% of Albertans have said repeatedly, and loudly, that they do NOT support new coal exploration or development in the province.  

• The moratorium on any new coal exploration or development, which many of you fought hard for in 2022, was quietly lifted by the government in January despite having no new coal policy in place.

• Yes, the province is now working on a new coal policy, the Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI), but so far, this process has been unfolding behind closed doors with coal executives, not with Albertans. 
  

• And last but not least, scientific studies continue to show just how damaging coal mining is to fish and wildlife, and to water health and availability. A new study recently conducted by Government of Alberta scientists reveals that fish in Crowsnest Lake continue to be contaminated with selenium, decades after the last Tent Mountain mine shut down.
  

Grassy Update

Selenium Study

Coal Myths Busted

But in the meantime, here’s what we continue to call for: 

• The in-progress Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI) needs to be informed by science and public and Indigenous consultation, NOT solely by coal companies.
  
  
• The coal moratorium should be reinstated immediately. No new development should move forward until a coal policy that is shaped by Albertans is in place.

We are watching this closely and we will continue to speak up, alongside you, until Alberta’s headwaters, wildlife, and communities are protected from widespread, irreversible damage.