Conservationists call cancellation of coal leases a distraction

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – While the Alberta Government bows to public pressure around controversial coal leases on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, some conservationists say it is too little, too late.

Katie Morrison, Conservation Director for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, says this is a good first step but wants the province to re-instate the 1976 coal policy.

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“The announcement really only addresses new leases and cancelled these 11 leases. To put into context, those 11 leases were about 2000 hectares; in the category two land previously protected, there is already 420000 hectares of land that, despite today’s announcement, are still open for coal development and exploration,” she says.

In a statement Monday, Minister of Energy Sonya Savage says in light of the concerns that have been raised in recent days, the government is cancelling 11 recently-issued coal leases and pausing any future coal lease sales on former Category 2 lands.

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“I want to be absolutely clear: Under the current terms, just as it was under the 1976 coal policy, coal leases do not allow for exploration, development, or production without a comprehensive regulatory review. A leaseholder has no more right to set foot on lease property than any other Albertan. The same rules apply now, as before,” stated Savage.

“This pause will provide our government with the opportunity to ensure that the interests of Albertans, as owners of mineral resources, are protected.”

However, she says this decision has no impact on existing coal projects currently under regulatory review.

“Coal development remains an important part of the Western Canadian economy, especially in rural communities, but we are committed to demonstrating that it will only be developed responsibly under Alberta’s modern regulatory standards and processes.”

Rancher Rachel Herbert is one of many taking the government to court over rescinding the coal policy.

“The Rockies are still under serious threat from open-pit coal mines and that is going to affect all Albertans, especially the downstream water users and ranchers like myself, and others who use Eastern slopes to grow food for Albertans,” she says.

That judicial review begins Jan. 19.