Coal Policy Committee wants to hear from as many people as possible

Over the last few months, it’s been made clear to the Coal Policy Committee that the topic of coal development is important for Albertans, who hold many views and opinions on the subject. That’s why the committee has been tasked by Alberta’s Energy Minister Sonya Savage with leading a widespread public engagement to inform a modern coal policy. 

The independent committee is comprised of five members who represent a wide-range of backgrounds and perspectives on policy development. We are working to gather Albertans’ thoughts about coal development. These views will help shape and inform the province’s long-term approach to the subject.

Since our appointment in March, mindful of past COVID restrictions, we have been meeting virtually with interested parties and technical experts from across the province. The committee is continuing to meet with individuals and groups that we hope will include expanded engagements with Indigenous interests. We recently undertook informative tours of communities in southwest and central Alberta.

The conversations we’ve had are wide-ranging. The topics span the ecological impacts of coal mining, responsible resource development, effective regulatory regimes, water quality, fish and wildlife conservation, jobs, economic activity and specific concerns from municipalities, towns and cities. 

To date, we have completed 48 engagement sessions and have received approximately 575 individual submissions.  As part of our commitment to the process, we hope to hear from as many Albertans as are interested and we reiterate our wish to hear from you.  Your views will form valuable input to the committee’s recommendations in our final report to the Minister of Energy. 

We welcome your thoughts by email at energy.coalpolicy@gov.ab.ca or by mail:

Coal Policy Committee

300, 801 – 6th Avenue S.W.

Calgary, Alberta   T2P 3W2

The committee will be accepting submissions until September 19, 2021. We look forward to hearing from you.

Ron Wallace is the chair of the Coal Policy Committee. He is an internationally recognized expert in regulatory policies associated with environmental assessment and monitoring. He has served on numerous regulatory boards dealing with energy and environmental issues. He retired in 2016 as a permanent member of the National Energy Board.

Get More Prairie Post →