Act Now! Our Mountains are on the Chopping Block

Right now tens of thousands of hectares on the slopes and headwaters of the Rockies are at risk to open-pit coal mining for metallurgical coal.

We need you to call for a moratorium on open pit and mountaintop mining and protection of the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains to protect mountains, waters, wildlife, and to support Indigenous peoples’ calls for consultation and recognition of their rights.

Take action. Send your letter today!

Message Subject *

Immediate moratorium on coal mining to protect the Rockies *

Dear Minister Wilkinson and Premier Kenney:
 
I am writing to you today to express my deep concern regarding coal development on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Although the Alberta Government has reversed changes to the 1976 Coal Policy and put a pause on some of these projects, others have been approved for exploration. Time is of the essence to safeguard the Rockies for a more sustainable future and for future generations. 
 
In recent months, Albertans have expressed their concern and anger at the threat coal mining brings to water, fish and wildlife, intact landscapes, human health, and communities. Concerns raised by First Nations regarding impacts on traditional lands and sacred sites, lack of consultation, and inadequate assessment of the cumulative impacts must be addressed.
 
While current consultations in Alberta on coal mining cannot address all of the concerns raised, Albertans have sent a clear message regarding the importance of these landscapes and waters. 
 
I am calling the Alberta government to establish a moratorium on coal development and exploration for the entire Eastern slopes of Alberta, including areas on the slopes and in the foothills of the Rockies.
 
I am also calling for the federal and provincial governments to work together to:
*  Ensure connected wildlife and fish habitats, such as key habitat for the endangered grizzly bear, are protected from coal mining and mine road construction, which already exceeds legal limits for the area;
*  Threatened species of fish, such as cutthroat trout, are protected from dangerous levels of pollutants such as selenium - a toxin which cannot be cleaned up once released;
*  Stop currently planned changes to water allocations, including from the Old Man River Basin, to prioritize community, agricultural and ecological needs and protect the health of hundreds of thousands of people who live downstream of these projects;
*  Improve federal and provincial coordination on large industrial projects to ensure cumulative impacts are addressed, including impacts on biodiversity and GHG emission targets; and
*  Ensure Canada upholds its obligations to consult all affected First Nations and adheres to the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with respect to traditional hunting, fishing, and sacred sites in the region.
 
While the Alberta government has withdrawn leases for coal mines, I am concerned that leases in the area remain, such as Montem Resources’ Tent Mountain Mine, Benga Mining Ltd. Grassy Mountain Mine, and Ram River Coal Corporation’s Aires Mine. Now is the time to increase the protection of the Eastern Slopes.
 
Thank you for your consideration.
 
Sincerely,

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