Coal policy engagement

Feedback was gathered to inform Alberta’s long-term approach to coal development.

Overview

We gathered feedback to help us develop a modern coal policy that will protect the areas Albertans cherish, while allowing responsible resource development in appropriate places.

The Coal Policy Committee was formed to lead a comprehensive engagement and to ensure the views of all Albertans were represented.

The committee considered feedback from Albertans, Indigenous people, communities and organizations to inform their final report and recommendations.

Timeline

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

    March 2022

Who is listening

Ministry of Energy

Input received

Albertans shared feedback to help inform the next steps of the coal policy engagement through an online survey from March 29 to April 19, 2021.

Technical submissions were sent to the committee between May 17 and September 19, 2021.

The committee provided the following advice and recommendations to the Minister of Energy in their engagement and final reports.

Outcomes

In response to recommendations made in the Coal Policy Committee's final reports, we are expanding restrictions on coal-related activities in the Eastern Slopes until effective land-use planning is completed for the area.

We will address concerns about the management of coal resources raised in the reports through existing legislation and regulations that have superseded the 1976 Coal Policy. Many wide-ranging initiatives are already underway that align with the committee’s recommendations.

Background

Coal Policy Committee

The committee led a widespread engagement process that captured the views of Albertans and Indigenous people. The members represented a wide-range of perspectives on coal development.

Read the committee's terms of reference.

  • Photo of Ron Wallace, chair of the Coal Policy Committee

    Ron Wallace, chair

    Ron Wallace 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, in addition to extensive experience in the private sector. He was also a permanent member of the National Energy Board.

  • Photo of Fred Bradley, member of the Coal Policy Committee

    Fred Bradley

    Fred Bradley is a former Alberta minister of the environment under Premier Peter Lougheed and served as MLA for Pincher Creek-Crowsnest. He has previously served as the chair of the Alberta Research Council and chair of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Board.

  • Photo of Natalie Charlton, member of the Coal Policy Committee

    Natalie Charlton

    Natalie Charlton is the executive director at Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce. She has served on various boards and has experience advocating for alternative energy resources.

  • Photo of Bill Trafford, member of the Coal Policy Committee

    Bill Trafford

    Bill Trafford is the president of the Livingstone Landowners’ Group, which represents landowners and supporters of the Livingstone-Porcupine area of Alberta. He has 35 years of experience in the IT industry and the health sector.

  • Gender neutral silhouette of a person, indicating no photo available for this user.

    Eric North Peigan

    Eric North Peigan is a member of Piikani Nation, a jeweler and silversmith by trade, and a small business owner. He has operated a jewelry business for more than 30 years and, more recently, has opened White Buffalo Tipi camp, which provides an immersive cultural experience for tourists.