Consultations Will Let Albertans Say ‘No’ to Rocky Mountain Coal Mining, Minister Promises
If the government wanted to assure Albertans its mind was really open
on the issue, it could start by stopping any further work on
exploration leases already sold, Katie Morrison of the Canadian Parks
and Wilderness Society told CP’s Bob Weber.
on the issue, it could start by stopping any further work on
exploration leases already sold, Katie Morrison of the Canadian Parks
and Wilderness Society told CP’s Bob Weber.
“I would have more confidence if they cancelled the exploration
permits…pending the outcome of these consultations,” she said in an
email.
“If they really have no predetermined outcomes, then companies should
not be able to continue to damage these landscapes and incur costs that
could be subject to compensation from Albertans later.”
Morrison said the further along coal companies get, the harder it
will be to implement land use plans and the more expensive it will be to
reclaim damage caused by exploration activities such as drilling and
road-building.