Premier Danielle Smith has defended the Alberta government’s decision to lift a moratorium on coal exploration and development in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, citing the risk of costly lawsuits from coal companies, even as she was slammed by NDP leader Naheed Nenshi for “incompetence.”
The move, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and conservationists, comes after years of policy reversals on the controversial issue.
But speaking to reporters Tuesday, Smith said the province acted in the interest of taxpayers, pointing to lawsuits filed by five coal companies seeking more than $15 billion in damages over lost revenues and sunk costs.
“We have to take that seriously, and we have to make sure that the taxpayers are protected,” Smith said.
However, in a blistering Twitter (“X”) salvo, opposition NDP leader Naheed Nenshi blamed the UCP government for creating the legal and environmental risks in the first place.
“The UCP government recently lifted the moratorium on coal mining in our mountains to avoid a lawsuit that they caused because of their own incompetence,” he wrote.
Alberta’s coal saga began in 2020 when the province repealed its decades-old coal policy and issued new leases, only to freeze most new projects in 2021 after widespread public outcry under former premier Jason Kenney.
Last week, Energy Minister Brian Jean directed the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to lift the moratorium, allowing stalled projects to move forward under updated regulatory processes.
Jean emphasized that lifting the moratorium does not mean the government is giving free rein to coal mining. “The policy includes a ban on certain techniques, like open-pit mining, and requires companies to show how they will prevent toxic selenium from leaching into watersheds,” he said.
Smith echoed Jean’s comments, arguing the new policy addresses public concerns while allowing economic development. “We’re bringing through a better, more robust policy,” she said.
The decision to lift the moratorium comes as the AER nears a decision on the Grassy Mountain project, following public hearings. A non-binding referendum last year, Crowsnest Pass residents voted 72% in support of the project.
While the moratorium’s end might benefit certain projects, coal mining remains a sensitive issue in the region. Tent Mountain, which ceased operations in 1983, is the only other legacy coal mine in the area.
Meanwhile, companies like Northback Holdings, which has sued the province, have yet to comment on the policy change and how might affect their legal battles. The Western Standard reached out to Northback officials but was told the company “does not have a comment regarding this announcement.”
In the meantime, Alberta’s coal debate rages on with critics warning of the environmental risks while proponents see economic opportunities. The lifting of the moratorium marks the latest chapter in a contentious issue dividing Albertans.
Country and western singer Corb Lund weighed in with a Tweet of his own. “Alberta, it's getting down to the wire with the coal issue. The govt just opened up the whole Eastern Slopes AGAIN to foreign companies,” he wrote.
“We're right back to where we were a few years ago when Albertans got VERY angry about the removal of Lougheed Coal Policy with zero public consultation.”