Update from the committee - July

July was another productive month for the Coal Policy Committee. Throughout the month, we continued to meet with interested parties and technical experts who shared their perspectives, concerns and knowledge with committee members. In addition, the committee participated in a virtual Indigenous engagement session held by Alberta Energy at the end of June. These conversations touched on a wide range of topics, including, fish and wildlife conservation, ecological impacts of coal mining, responsible resource development, effective regulatory regimes, water quality and climate change. A full list of stakeholder meetings can be found here.

As COVID restrictions were lifted at the beginning of July, the Committee was also able to tour southern Alberta. While there, the Committee toured three proposed coal project sites with the respective proponents, and coal category lands with Alberta Environment and Parks. The Committee also met with the Chief and some Council members from the Piikani First Nation, representatives from local municipalities, ranchers, and landowner groups. Stay tuned for more detailed posts about the tour.

As this month comes to a close, the Committee continues to plan its next phase of meetings and engagement for the month of August, which will include a tour to sites in central Alberta.

In July, we received another 103 individual submissions from across the province through the mailbox. We encourage Albertans and organizations to submit technical submissions through our website and the coal policy mailbox before the end of August to allow ample time for us to consider your input as we form our recommendations.

We would like to thank all Albertans who have taken the time to share their views and provide recommendations for a modernized coal policy for Alberta. We look forward to continuing to engage with you.