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Overview
We gathered feedback to help us develop a modern coal policy that will protect the areas Albertans cherish, while allowing responsible resource development in appropriate places.
The Coal Policy Committee was formed to lead a comprehensive engagement and to ensure the views of all Albertans were represented.
The committee considered feedback from Albertans, Indigenous people, communities and organizations to inform their final report and recommendations.
Timeline
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Open
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Results under review
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Completed
March 2022
Who is listening
Ministry of Energy
Input received
Albertans shared feedback to help inform the next steps of the coal policy engagement through an online survey from March 29 to April 19, 2021.
Technical submissions were sent to the committee between May 17 and September 19, 2021.
The committee provided the following advice and recommendations to the Minister of Energy in their engagement and final reports.
- Engaging Albertans about coal
- Final report: Recommendations for the management of coal resources in Alberta
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Analysis of the online survey results
This is a summary of feedback received through the online survey held March 29 to April 19, 2021:
- The majority of Albertans feel the management of the province’s coal resources affect them.
- “Environmental impacts of coal development” and “if and where coal development takes place” were ranked by respondents as the most important issues when discussing Alberta’s coal policy.
- The majority of respondents feel there are areas of the province that are not appropriate for coal development, while almost one-third of respondents say that there are areas of the province where development could be appropriate.
- Albertans would like to participate in additional online surveys and virtual meetings, as well as provide input directly to the committee.
- Respondents want to learn more about the approval processes for exploration and development, as well as the coal categories, which dictate where and how coal leasing, exploration and development can occur.
- The majority of respondents expressed concerns about coal exploration and development.
Outcomes
In response to recommendations made in the Coal Policy Committee's final reports, we are expanding restrictions on coal-related activities in the Eastern Slopes until effective land-use planning is completed for the area.
We will address concerns about the management of coal resources raised in the reports through existing legislation and regulations that have superseded the 1976 Coal Policy. Many wide-ranging initiatives are already underway that align with the committee’s recommendations.
Background
Coal Policy Committee
The committee led a widespread engagement process that captured the views of Albertans and Indigenous people. The members represented a wide-range of perspectives on coal development.
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Ron Wallace, chair
Ron Wallace is an internationally recognized expert in regulatory policies associated with environmental assessment and monitoring. He has served on numerous regulatory boards dealing with energy and environmental issues, in addition to extensive experience in the private sector. He was also a permanent member of the National Energy Board.
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Fred Bradley
Fred Bradley is a former Alberta minister of the environment under Premier Peter Lougheed and served as MLA for Pincher Creek-Crowsnest. He has previously served as the chair of the Alberta Research Council and chair of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Board.
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Natalie Charlton
Natalie Charlton is the executive director at Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce. She has served on various boards and has experience advocating for alternative energy resources.
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Bill Trafford
Bill Trafford is the president of the Livingstone Landowners’ Group, which represents landowners and supporters of the Livingstone-Porcupine area of Alberta. He has 35 years of experience in the IT industry and the health sector.
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Eric North Peigan
Eric North Peigan is a member of Piikani Nation, a jeweler and silversmith by trade, and a small business owner. He has operated a jewelry business for more than 30 years and, more recently, has opened White Buffalo Tipi camp, which provides an immersive cultural experience for tourists.
News
- Getting it right on coal in Alberta (March 4, 2022)
- Coal policy reports received: Minister Savage (December 29, 2021)
- Coal policy report deadline extended: Joint statement (November 10, 2021)
- Coal exploration halted on Category 2 lands (April 23, 2021)
- Engaging with Albertans on a modern coal policy (March 29, 2021)
- Coal consultation: Minister Savage (February 23, 2021)
- Alberta’s 1976 coal policy reinstated (February 8, 2021)
- Coal leases: Minister Savage (January 18, 2021)