ALBERTA NDP CALL FOR STOP TO COAL MINING ALONG EASTERN SLOPES AS UCP ALLOW PROJECT TO MOVE FORWARD

News Release

ALBERTA NDP CALL FOR STOP TO COAL MINING ALONG EASTERN SLOPES AS UCP ALLOW PROJECT TO MOVE FORWARD

BANFF – The Alberta NDP is calling for a complete ban on new coal mining developments along the Eastern Slopes as the UCP breaks its word to Albertans and quietly approves development of a new coal mine in northern Alberta.

Alberta NDP Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi is speaking out after media reports that Summit Coal’s Mine 14 in Grande Cache continues to move forward.

“Albertans cannot trust the UCP,” Elmeligi said. “They said they would protect our Eastern Slopes and not allow they won’t allow coal mining, but then we found out that projects like this are approved and are quietly going ahead.”

“We need to protect our mountains and our headwaters by stopping all new coal mining in the Eastern Slopes.”

“If Albertans thought they were getting a different government under Danielle Smith, they’re not. This is the same UCP that ignores Albertans and refuses to effectively protect our mountains.”

In 2020, the UCP rescinded the 1976 Lougheed Coal Policy that prevented coal mining in the Eastern Slopes after being lobbied by the coal industry. Following widespread criticism from Albertans, the UCP began thorough public and stakeholders consultations that found Albertans overwhelmingly opposed coal mining in the area. The UCP responded by restoring the 1976 policy, but allowed some projects to proceed, subject to further approvals.

Environmental experts and conservationists have raised numerous concerns about the impacts of coal mining on Alberta’s headwaters, including high levels of contaminants like selenium.

The Alberta NDP have twice introduced legislation to ban new coal mining in the Eastern Slopes and close any loopholes, but the UCP have voted against it each time.

Danielle Smith has not committed to enshrining protections for the Eastern Slopes against coal mining activity and even opened up the possibility of allowing coal mining in the area during her leadership campaign.

“Coal mining in the Eastern Slopes is bad for our headwaters and ecosystems, it’s not supported by communities, and any short term economic gain pales in comparison to the long-term economic development associated with tourism and recreation,” said Elmeligi.

“Danielle Smith has shown can’t be trusted. She says one thing in public and another behind closed doors, hoping Albertans won’t notice.”

“Albertans will notice. Just like they noticed when the UCP opened up our Rockies for coal mining the first time. Albertans have been clear that they don’t want any coal mining in these pristine and sensitive areas. If the UCP was serious about protecting them, they would stop approving any new coal mining development in the Eastern Slopes immediately.”

-30-