Alberta weighs the future of coal mining – by Emma Graney (Globe and Mail – December 29, 2021)

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/

Alberta is one step closer to new coal-mining rules for the province. Energy Minister Sonya Savage said Wednesday she has received the final report from a committee charged with making recommendations about how the province should manage coal development.

Ms. Savage struck the independent committee earlier this year after widespread public backlash about the United Conservative government’s decision to rip up Alberta’s 1976 coal policy, making it easier for companies to pursue mines in sensitive regions.

Anger over the move forced the government to backpedal. It reinstated the policy, cancelled 11 coal leases and promised to consult with Albertans to come up with a new coal-mining plan – which led to the committee’s creation.

Ms. Savage said in a statement that the government will now “take the necessary time” to review the report and its recommendations before releasing them publicly. Her press secretary, Jennifer Henshaw, told The Globe and Mail in an e-mail that the Ministry of Energy will work with other departments and agencies to determine the government’s next steps.

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