Get the Facts on Coal in Alberta

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Responsible coal development is the lifeblood of several Alberta communities and employs thousands of Alberta workers. Alberta’s government is committed to developing coal responsibly under strict regulatory standards and processes that protect our air, land, water and wild species from harm. Scientists, not politicians, make the environmental decisions

MYTH:

The world is moving away from coal.

FACT:

The world relies heavily on metallurgical coal as a primary component in steel, which is used to build everything from buildings to bridges.

This resource will be critical to the post-COVID-19 recovery for many countries around the world, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

MYTH:

Lands that used to be protected are now open to development.

FACT:

Coal development continues to be restricted in former Category 1 public lands. Many former Category 1 lands are automatically protected because they are national parks, provincial parks, or protected areas.

MYTH:

Alberta’s government is abandoning the federal-provincial plan to phase out emissions from low-quality thermal coal by 2030.

FACT:

This is categorically false. Alberta’s government is ahead of schedule on its commitment to phase out thermal coal by 2030.

MYTH:

Coal mines will forever change our mountain landscapes.

FACT:

Companies must adhere to strict rules around land reclamation and environmental effects. Our majestic mountains will be protected.

MYTH:

A coal lease means a coal mine will soon be underway.

FACT:

A coal lease does not equal a project. All coal projects go through a strict regulatory and consultation process. A lease does not mean a project will proceed.

MYTH:

Water quality and important headwaters are at risk from mining development.

FACT:

The environment remains protected by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, including our treasured headwaters. Alberta’s water supply is not at risk.

How does the review process work?

  1. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) performs an initial review of the application. If no information is missing, they will register the application and proceed to a full technical review. 
  2. The AER shares all registered applications on their Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the decision process.
  3. Anyone who believes they may be directly and adversely affected by an application can file a statement of concern with the AER.
  4. The AER may request additional information to complete their technical review.
  5. The AER will decide to approve, close, or deny the application. 
  6. The AER will inform the applicant of their decision and post the decision publicly on their Publication of Decision page.

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Coal Hard Facts is an initiative by the UCP Caucus.