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Big news: #NoToCoalAB “Albertans have spoken loud and clear and we have heard them. Not only we will reinstate the full 1976 coal policy, we will implement further protections and consult with Albertans on a new, modern coal policy." ~ Energy Minister Sonya Savage #ableg #abpoli
Savage says she has issued two directives: 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; and
All future coal exploration approvals on Category 2 lands will be prohibited pending widespread consultations on a new coal policy.
Savage says reinstatement of the 1976 coal policy does not preclude exploration. Specifically, exploration permits that were approved prior to the government rescinding the legislation in May 2020, in effect June 1, 2020.
Savage: Alberta has a rich history with coal mining, with many Albertans relying on these jobs to feed their families. "Given today's economic climate, that is not something that can be taken lightly." Says she's a southern Alberta girl who enjoyed these lands also.
Timeline for consultations? Savage says we'll get that in the weeks ahead, it will be vigorous. "It will take time and will be very, very open, and we will listen." Emma Graney asks "why didn't you do it in the first place?"
Savage says "well, we could have done better... we are listening, we are going to take the time, and listen to Albertans, as we move forward with the modern coal policy."
iPolitics Q: Premier called it a "dead letter", so why are you bringing it back?
Savage: Albertans thought restrictions and protections had been lost and as a result that something had changed. That was not our intention so we have reinstated it in full.
Savage: Albertans thought restrictions and protections had been lost and as a result that something had changed. That was not our intention so we have reinstated it in full.
Follow up: Jason Nixon was defending the ABGov position. You're challenging Bill C-69 now.
Savage: We're going to continue where it overreaches into provincial jurisdiction. Albertans should know environmental impact assessments will still be rigorous.
Savage: We're going to continue where it overreaches into provincial jurisdiction. Albertans should know environmental impact assessments will still be rigorous.
Savage: AER directives will not impact previous exploration approvals that were given prior to rescinding the policy.
That is, of six exploration projects, four will continue and two will be paused.
That is, of six exploration projects, four will continue and two will be paused.
Q: What does it do to the govt's plan to get revenue etc?
Savage: mountain top removal will never be allowed. Category 2 lands will require additional review as before. Metalurgical coal is in demand and is abundant in Alberta and we'll proceed carefully.
Savage: mountain top removal will never be allowed. Category 2 lands will require additional review as before. Metalurgical coal is in demand and is abundant in Alberta and we'll proceed carefully.
Savage says they're in the process of reaching out to stakeholders including the coal industry.
Q: Had any reaction?
Savage: want to listen to a broad selection of Albertans. A lot of Albertans wanted the 1976 coal policy reinstated and it was the right thing to do.
Fin.
Q: Had any reaction?
Savage: want to listen to a broad selection of Albertans. A lot of Albertans wanted the 1976 coal policy reinstated and it was the right thing to do.
Fin.
Addendum: Of the current exploration projects ongoing, none have applied for mining permits.
Disclaimer: this information was obtained in the embargoed briefing session, is for background information only, cannot be quoted, and can change with no admission of ever being said.
Disclaimer: this information was obtained in the embargoed briefing session, is for background information only, cannot be quoted, and can change with no admission of ever being said.
