Addressing the Coal Policy
Yes
Nathan Neudorf – MLA, Lethbridge East
In the recent weeks I’ve heard many questions and concerns voiced about the 1976 Coal Policy. I know the environment and protection of our natural spaces is a very important issue to Albertans and I want to clear the air about what the recent policy updates actually represent. In response to the concerns raised by Albertans about the lack of clarity on project development, we reinstated the 1976 Coal Policy, including the 4 coal categories, on February 8. With the Environmental Enhancement Act and the Eastern Slopes Coal Policy, and now the return of the four categories, we have stronger and clearer protections for our environment than ever before, but there is more work to do.
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“I appreciate you honestly sharing your thoughts with me and I know the environment and protection of our natural spaces is a very important issue to many Albertans, which is why I want to be very clear about what the recent policy updates actually represent,” Neudorf stated.
The MLA’s statement focused on four main issues.
RESCINDING THE 1976 COAL POLICY
Neudorf said the nearly 50-year-old piece of legislation “has not been tossed out”, but it has “been replaced by newer and more stringent legislation such as the Environmental Enhancement Act and the Eastern Slopes Policy”.