Yet, against the overwhelming will of the people, the Alberta government has quietly lifted the coal moratorium, once again exposing these critical headwaters to exploration and destruction. Projects like the Grassy Mountain coal mine, rejected by the public and experts alike, could now advance unchecked.
In 2021, Albertans fought hard to protect our land and water from coal mining, forcing the government to act. A united effort of over 50 groups created a plan to end coal mining and safeguard our watersheds. Now, the government is quietly undoing those protections, opening hundreds of thousands of hectares to coal mining—including the once-rejected Grassy Mountain Mine. This backroom decision puts Alberta’s health, economy, and future at serious risk.
The Eastern Slopes are Alberta’s lifeline—once defaced and polluted, they’re lost forever.
Take two steps to make an immediate impact:
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The Alberta government has lifted a moratorium on coal mining, reopening the door for projects like the Grassy Mountain coal mine and other new developments in the Rockies. This decision directly opposes widespread public opinion and expert advice, putting Alberta’s critical watersheds and natural landscapes at risk.
Coal mining poses severe risks, including:
Yes, in 2021, regulators rejected Grassy Mountain due to its environmental risks and lack of economic viability. However, the Alberta government now claims the project is an “advanced coal project,” exempting it from previous restrictions. This reversal ignores the public’s overwhelming opposition and expert recommendations.
Selenium is a toxic byproduct of coal mining that contaminates water and harms fish, wildlife, and agriculture. In British Columbia’s Elk Valley, selenium pollution from coal mining has caused severe, costly damage, serving as a cautionary tale for Alberta.
Critics argue the government is prioritizing lobbying efforts from coal companies and foreign billionaires over the interests of Albertans. While the government claims coal mining will bring economic benefits, history shows these benefits are often overstated, while environmental and social costs are ignored.
The Eastern Slopes are the headwaters for Alberta’s major rivers, supplying clean water to millions of people. Coal mining threatens this critical resource with pollution, reduced water quality, and potential water shortages, impacting communities, agriculture, and businesses far downstream.
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While the government claims economic benefits, coal mining has a minor impact on Alberta’s economy, contributing only a fraction of provincial revenues. Meanwhile, tourism, agriculture, and clean water—all dependent on healthy ecosystems—are much larger and more sustainable contributors to Alberta’s prosperity.
No. The government’s decision to lift the coal moratorium was made without meaningful public consultation, disregarding previous surveys that showed 90% of Albertans oppose coal mining in the Eastern Slopes.
The solution lies in reinstating the coal moratorium, enforcing strict land-use protections, and prioritizing the health of Alberta’s watersheds. A community-led framework like A Coal Policy for Alberta – 2022 and Beyond offers a clear, sustainable path forward.
If you have more questions or want to take action, visit www.saveourslopes.ca to learn how you can help protect Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.