Canadian Press file photo

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Alberta Beef Producers want more public consultation on coal mines

Jan 20, 2021 | 7:05 PM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB. — Alberta Beef Producers says it is hoping the government’s decision to put having coal mining leases for the eastern slopes of the Rockies on hold leads to what it calls “necessary motivation for further consultation.”

The organization’s Board of Directors has passed a resolution brought to it from ranchers, asking that the provincial government reinstate its old coal policy until consultations take place.

ABP says in a statement it is frustrated that there was little public input gathered when the province rescinded its coal development policy last year, one that was first put in place in 1976.

The Beef Producers add that while it knows the government has to update policies, it wants to see public consultations when these changes impact land use.

ABP adds it has heard from ranchers worried about the impact coal mining would have on water, air, and biodiversity.

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The statement adds that there are several proposals in what it describes as “various stages of development,” adding that while some are in the early stages, others are more advanced.

Alberta Beef Producers is also reminding people that anyone impacted by a potential development can file a Statement of Concern with the Alberta Energy Regulator.