Coal policy engagement

Reinstatement of 1976 Coal Policy

As a result of concerns raised about potential coal development on sensitive lands, we reinstated the 1976 Coal Policy, including the 4 coal categories, as of February 8, 2021. Coal categories set where and how coal leasing, exploration and development can occur.

We are also reinforcing restrictions by providing specific direction to the Alberta Energy Regulator.

• All restrictions under the 1976 coal categories are to apply, including all restrictions on surface mining in Category 2 lands. In addition, no mountain top removal will be permitted.
• All future coal exploration approvals on Category 2 lands will be prohibited pending widespread consultations on a new coal policy.

Coal lease sales in Category 2 lands also remain paused while we examine Alberta’s long-term approach to coal development.

Get involved

The engagement will have multiple phases, check back for more opportunities to participate or sign up to get notified on updates.

Get informed

Read the Coal in Alberta fact sheet (PDF, 699 KB)

Online survey

Complete the online survey to help inform the next steps of the coal policy engagement by April 19, 2021.

Take the survey

Indigenous engagement

Alongside the committee-led engagement, the Minister of Energy will engage directly with Indigenous communities to ensure their perspectives on coal development are heard and considered in the development of a new coal policy.

Indigenous Peoples are welcome to participate in the committee-led engagement process, including the initial survey.

Outcomes

Feedback will help ensure coal development reflects the best interests of Albertans and continues to balance stringent environmental protections with responsible resource development.

Coal Policy Committee

A committee has been established to develop and lead a widespread engagement process that captures the views of all Albertans. The committee will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Energy. Their final report is due November 15, 2021.

See the committee's terms of reference (PDF, 77 KB).

Committee members

The members represent a wide-range of perspectives on coal development.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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)

Contact

Connect with the Coal Policy Committee:

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for updates

Sign up to get notified on coal policy engagement updates.