Alberta announces new coal mining policy plan, industry consults | FULL

The Alberta government held a news conference Friday in which Energy Minister Brian Jean and Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz spoke about the future of coal mining in the foothills. Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean announced the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative and provided the guidelines for coal mining practices, with the goal of ensuring that Alberta’s waters are protected from mining contaminants such as selenium. "Alberta deserves a modern policy that balances strong environmental protections with responsible resource development," Jean said. He added that if coal mining proceeds, it will be subjected to the highest standards possible, stating, "Protecting our water will be our top priority in the development of all our new coal policy." Jean also said royalty rates, to be revised after deliberations with industry, will be "substantially" increased.   However, the new rules won't apply to advanced proposals, including a controversial proposed mine in the Crowsnest Pass.   The announcement comes after the United Conservative Party government's elimination of long-standing land protections in 2020 spurred public backlash and a reversal a year later. For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/10927632/alberta-foothills-coal-future/ Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on X HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #alberta #coalmines #coal #Rockies #Canada #abpoli