Statement on the Grassy Mountain Decision

I am incredibly pleased and relieved that the joint review panel for Benga Mining Limited's Grassy Mountain Coal Project has found the project is not in the public interest.

This is an important win for the people of Alberta and is a direct result of the interventions of hundreds of Albertans and other Canadians who voiced their concerns with the profound impact this coal mine would have on our water, land, and wildlife, and on Grassy Mountain itself.

I am grateful for the work on this issue of Latasha Calf Robe and the Niitsatapi Water Protectors, the Alberta Wilderness Association, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Livingstone Landowners’ Group, the many farmers and ranchers who made their opposition to this project known, and the many scientists and other experts who provided detailed testimony demonstrating the numerous deficiencies in Benga’s application including the company’s lack of technology to mitigate selenium and other pollutants in the watershed.

It has become obvious that the devastating impacts of coal mining far outweigh the meagre benefits and I look forward to the day when our Rocky Mountains and Eastern Slopes will be free of coal.

Albertans fought for their beloved Rockies and Albertans won.