Read on Twitter
Jason Nixon in a recent story on changes to Alberta’s coal policy: “I think there’s a misconception that this somehow removes all these environmental protections around where mines can be built, how you manage water issues .. and nothing could be further from the truth.” #ableg
The article is here: https://calgaryherald.com/news/no-free-for-all-coal-mining-on-eastern-slopes-of-rockies-environment-minister/wcm/83a12ba2-eb85-479a-946d-a0551ce92e83/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
It’s worth unpacking this.
The changes to the coal policy are all about where the mines can be built. That was the purpose of rescinding the 1976 policy, which put up significant barriers, or outright bans, for these types of mines in certain areas. #ableg
The changes to the coal policy are all about where the mines can be built. That was the purpose of rescinding the 1976 policy, which put up significant barriers, or outright bans, for these types of mines in certain areas. #ableg
In the so-called category one lands, all mines were banned outright and remain so now. But in category two lands where open pit mines were forbidden, the ban has been lifted. Lots more on this here https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/bringing-coal-back #ableg
In addition, the government explicitly wants to change how you “manage water issues,” in order to pfacilitate coal mining, despite the minister’s claim. This is separate from the coal policy changes. More about this here. https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5826994 #ableg
Nixon points to the fact that other land use planning and environmental regulations remain in place and this isn’t a free for all, which is true. But it’s also worth noting work being done by AER in partnership with the coal association to streamline processes. #ableg
And the sudden recision of the 1976 policy (announced on the Friday of a long weekend) and revisiting water regulations on a water basin that’s been closed for decades raises questions about the integrity/lifespan of existing regulations. #ableg
So worth noting that Nixon says there won’t be dozens of mines on the eastern slopes, but even before the policy was rescinded, there were half a dozen companies already eager to go, according to the coal association. More here. https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5578902 #ableg
