AER coal hearings going ahead despite appeal [Video]

Hearings on a proposed coal project in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass will go ahead despite legal challenges.

The Municipal District of Ranchland appealed the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) hearing, claiming the coal-mining exploration application shouldn’t have been accepted in the first place.

“Our reaction, of course, is disappointment,” said Ron Davis, reeve of the MD of Ranchland.

“Now, they would suggest going ahead with the hearings, particularly given that we look to appeal that whole process.”

Many area ranchers and farmers agree with the MD’s position.

“The AER is sort of saying that because the appeal was accepted, it doesn’t change their approach, because they run their own agenda, is basically what they’re saying,” said Livingstone Landowners Group president Bill Trafford.

The AER accepted an application from Northback for coal exploration on the grassy mountain site.

Despite the project already being rejected by federal and provincial regulators and a moratorium on …