Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – A new poll finds fewer than 25% of Albertans support coal mining in the eastern slopes.
The Leger poll, released by the Peskiko Group and Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG), surveyed about 1,000 Albertans across various demographics. Of those surveyed, 55% were unaware of any proposed coal exploration in the eastern slopes. Only 23% supported coal exploration and 27% said the economic benefits outweighed the environmental risks.
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Of the concerns addressed, 77% were worried about the potential contamination of the water supply from selenium, a naturally occurring element found in soil, rocks, and water. In large quantities, it can be toxic to the environment if it leaches into the watershed. Another 70% raised concerns about coal dust travelling downwind from mine sites.
“As farmers and ranchers, our livelihood lies within the heart of the coal issue in Southwestern Alberta,” says Laura Laing, co-owner of the Plateau Cattle Company and member of the Pekisko Group. “These results confirm our position that the majority of Albertans polled do not support coal development in our eastern slopes.”
John Smith, the other co-owner of the Plateau Cattle Company, is concerned about the environmental impact of eastern slopes coal mining. “The impacts of coal development will be devastating to our ranching operation but will undoubtedly impact our entire agricultural corridor and industry here in Southwestern Alberta.”
Smith points out it’s not just the agriculture sector that would be affected. “We aren’t the only industry, though; tourism, the filming industry, and everyone downstream will be negatively impacted.”
Multiple groups, including the Alberta Wilderness Association and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and residents of the area have raised the alarm over coal mining in the eastern slopes.
In 2020, public outcry forced the province to put a moratorium on nearly all new coal exploration and development in the Eastern Slopes. Last month, Alberta’s energy minister, Brian Jean, lifted the moratorium to help reduce regulatory confusion around coal mining.
The UCP government has said the environment remains at the forefront of all discussions. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said that when the decision was made to lift the moratorium, the province had taxpayers in mind, citing five lawsuits filed by coal companies against Alberta. The companies say they’re owed $15 billion in costs and lost revenue.
