- New mandatory public health measures in effect April 6.
- Get vaccinated: Everyone 55+. Many 16+ with health conditions. Walk-ins for AstraZeneca.
Overview
With your input, we will develop a modern coal policy to protect the areas Albertans cherish while allowing responsible resource development in appropriate places. Your feedback will inform our long-term approach to coal development.
To help ensure the views of all Albertans are represented during the process, we’ve established the Coal Policy Committee, an independent group to lead a comprehensive engagement.
To kickstart engagement, we invite you to complete an online survey to help guide the committee while they create a detailed engagement approach.
We will also work directly with Indigenous leaders and communities throughout the engagement to ensure their perspectives are heard and considered.
Timeline
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Open
Initial survey open until April 19, 2021
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Results under review
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Completed
Who is listening
Ministry of Energy
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.
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.
The personal information collected through www.alberta.ca/coalengagement will be used for the purpose of providing you with coal policy engagement updates.
This personal information collection is authorized under section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.
If you have any questions about this collection of personal information, you may contact [email protected].
Last updated: April 12, 2021