Advocacy group seeks Clearwater County’s position on reopened coal exploration

The West Country Sustainability Coalition (WCSC), a group founded by concerned citizens from Clearwater County, is pressing the local government for clarity on its stance regarding the reintroduction of coal mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.

The inquiry follows a recent policy shift by the provincial government, which lifted the moratorium on coal exploration and development in the region.

In a letter sent to Clearwater County, the WCSC expressed dismay over the changes and the potential environmental and economic impacts of coal mining on the community. The group highlighted what it says is a promise made by the Alberta government in 2022 that no coal activities would be considered until land use planning for the area was completed.

The WCSC is concerned that the province’s recent actions break this commitment, opening up the Eastern Slopes to coal development, a move they argue could harm the region’s natural landscapes, water resources, and tourism-based economy.

“The ramifications of coal mining and associated activities have profound and lasting impacts on our natural landscapes, water resources, recreation, tourism and overall quality of life,” the letter reads. We believe it has been clearly demonstrated that coal development in Clearwater County is economically and environmentally damaging and the negative impacts will outweigh any benefits”.

The WCSC has asked Clearwater County to outline its position on the issue, specifically regarding what it says is the government’s broken promise about not starting any new coal development until a new land use regime is finalized.

In response, Clearwater County’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Rick Emmons emphasized that the authority over coal development lies with the provincial government, not the local municipality.

He added that while the county doesn’t have control over coal mining activities, it is important to understand the potential impacts such developments could have on municipal infrastructure and emergency services, particularly considering the proximity of some proposed coal leases to provincial roadways.

Council discussions also revealed some uncertainty over the details of the province’s decision to lift the moratorium. Council members noted that the proposed coal lease is situated off provincial roads, which, while still connected to local roads, fall under the province’s jurisdiction. Some members questioned whether Clearwater County should lobby for the issue, even though it lacks direct authority over the decision.

“There’s no clear indication from the province that they intend to involve municipalities like ours in the decision-making process,” Emmons said. “This is really a lobbying issue for the county, as the provincial government ultimately holds the decision-making power.”

In conversations with provincial officials, Councillor Genny Mehlhaff says coal development projects fall under the arms-length Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).

She says regulators and companies may well have interest in coal development in the West Country in the future, and if they do, she hopes proper consultations will take place with the municipality.

“There happens to be coal under Nordegg,” quipped Mehlhaff. “Crazy.”

You can read the group’s letter here.

–

RELATED:

–