The Joint Federal Provincial Review Panel is recommending Federal Environment Minister Jonathon Wilkinson deny approval of the Grassy Mountain coal project.

The panel says the project is not in the public interest and the economic benefits aren't worth the potentially damaging effects.

It states the mine would cause damage to water quality and native trout species. It could interfere with the area's First Nations' ability to exercise their treaty rights.

A joint statement from provincial Energy Minister Sonya Savage and Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon says:

“All proposed coal projects are subject to stringent review to ensure development is safe, environmentally responsible and meets all requirements. In this case, the process worked as it should. The panel’s recommendation demonstrates that Alberta’s legislative and regulatory framework is robust and thoroughly considers environmental impacts as part of any resource development project."

“We acknowledge that the Joint Review Panel determined the project would result in adverse environmental effects on surface water quality – particularly on westslope cutthroat trout and their habitat. We take this concern seriously. Alberta has a long history of responsibly managing our water resources to ensure healthy, secure and sustainable water for our communities, the environment and the economy. Despite falsehoods being perpetuated by some whose intent is to stoke fear and confusion on this matter, our government has not made changes to water protection legislation or water allocations in southern Alberta."

The Alberta government's public engagement to come up with a new long-term approach to coal is continuing.

That panel is to have a report on the Energy Minister's desk by mid-November.

 

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