Alberta government announces tougher new Coal rules but Grassy Mountain open-pit mine still a go – OkotoksOnline.com [Video]

The Alberta government announced plans for new rules surrounding coal mining on Friday (Dec. 20).

Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean and the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Shulz say they’re putting the environment first with the new Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI).

Minister Jean stressed there would be no new open-pit mines or mountaintop removal.

“We will not put our water at risk in any way. Protecting our waters will be a top priority when considering new mining projects. The Foothills are the headwaters for most of southern Alberta and these waters will be protected. Any existing or new coal project in the Foothills will need to prevent additional selenium leaching into our waters.  This can be done. Industry knows how to do it, and we will make sure industry does whatever is necessary to keep selenium out of our water.”

“We will protect the Foothills. …