The approval of coal exploration on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has sparked a flurry of reactions from various stakeholders in southern Alberta. Landowners, mayors, and community groups are all weighing in on the recent decision, which allows Northback Holdings Corporation to conduct coal exploration at the Grassy Mountain site in the Municipal District of Ranchland. The ongoing debate over the potential revival of coal development in the region has been a contentious issue, with supporters touting economic benefits and opponents expressing concerns about long-term environmental risks. The AER’s approval of Northback’s applications comes with conditions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to address public interest.
Landowners, mayors, and community groups across southern Alberta are reacting to the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) recent approval of coal exploration on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Northback Holdings Corporation has been given the green light to conduct a coal exploration program at the Grassy Mountain site in the Municipal District of Ranchland. While supporters of the project believe it could bring much-needed economic development to the region, opponents are raising alarms about potential risks to the land and water. The AER’s decision to approve Northback’s applications for exploration is seen as a significant step in the ongoing debate over the future of coal development in the area.
In a written decision, the AER stated that Northback’s applications met all regulatory requirements and that the exploration program was in the public interest. The approval does not grant permission for a coal mine but allows for exploration activities at the existing unreclaimed Grassy Mountain site. Despite the regulator’s assurance that the exploration program will not have significant impacts on water quality or quantity, concerns remain among some landowners and environmental advocates. The approval of Northback’s permits for exploration sets the stage for potential coal mining in a crucial watershed that provides drinking water to over 200,000 people in the region. While some stakeholders are hopeful that the project will strike a balance between economic benefits and environmental considerations, others remain skeptical about the long-term implications of coal development in southern Alberta.
