TUC and AEP meet to discuss the coal situation. Last week, TUC had a virtual meeting with Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Minister Jason Nixon and his staff to discuss the coal situation. The Minister and his staff were forthcoming with their assessment of the situation and intent for the protection of the Eastern Slopes and took the time to listen to TUC’s concerns. At the meeting TUC staff focused on the following discussion points:
AEP’s mandate to protect critical resources for Albertans seems to be at odds with the government’s interest in growing the coal industry in Alberta. The Minister’s office feels that the necessary protections are in place to achieve the balance between economic development and conservation. TUC staff highlighted the indirect protections afforded by the Coal Policy and suggested that rescinding the Policy has resulted in gaps in protection. Specifically, formerly Category 2 lands have reduced restrictions for coal development with the loss of the Policy.
The Minister’s office reiterated that the environmental regulatory review processes have not been impacted and are intact. It seems the department has full trust in the processes that are in place. TUC staff offered that the existing processes are not sufficient as demonstrated by the listing of multiple species under the Species at Risk Act in the last few years. The Minister highlighted the government’s intent to update Alberta Environment and Parks legislation and their intent to protect sensitive habitats. We are unclear what protections will result from this update but are committed to working with AEP and tracking the progress of this effort.
TUC suggested to the Minister and his staff that the insufficiencies of the regulatory processes and the loss of indirect protections resulting from the rescission of the Coal Policy have created significant gaps in the needed protection of critical lands and public interest. The Minister stated that while they are not aware of any gaps they are committed to ensuring that any identified are resolved and will review specific notes from TUC.
Much discussion was had around communication and miscommunication resulting in the suggestion by TUC staff that a project evaluation process (including steps taken by all agencies and regulators) be outlined for public awareness and transparency. The Minister and his staff agreed that this would be a valuable effort and we look forward to the outcome. The Minister was asked if AEP would consider cumulative thresholds to limit the impact in critical areas like Eastern Slopes. The Minister and his staff were open to discussing this concept and further discussions will be scheduled.
TUC staff identified concerns regarding the lack of cost/benefit analyses to determine if coal development would be in the public interest. The Coal Policy accomplished this, but with its rescission, this process is lost. There is a need for analysis to determine public interest by land type or project. The Minister noted that the department intends to address this issue through legislation rather than policy. We support the development of legislation that protects the public interest and are willing to provide AEP with input and review.
We appreciate Minister Nixon’s time in speaking with us however, we still have many concerns to work through including how the government handled public consultation and how they plan on engaging in a meaningful way in the future. The Minister and his staff have graciously offered to review comments and concerns on specific points of discussion which we will be following up on. TUC will continue a dialogue with Minister Nixon and his staff within AEP to find out how the department will ensure the implementation of their mandate to protect Alberta’s land, air, water, and wildlife.
TUC is still concerned about the risk posed to the Eastern Slopes as a result of lost protections. As such, we are committed to working with AEP to identify gaps and ensure that the necessary protections are in place or are developed to protect these sensitive and valuable landscapes.
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