Thank you for the Canadian Press article in the Advocate on Jan. 9 on open pit mining in the Rockies.
As mentioned in the article what’s at stake is not only loss of recreation areas. It is both mind numbing and heart breaking to think of ruining these beautiful mountains for the purpose of a few years of coal extraction. In view of the incremental climate crisis other jurisdictions are banning coal as a source of energy.
The Jasons, Kenny and Nixon, seem to be driving Alberta into the future while looking in the rear view mirror. The current UCP government is granting many open pit coal mining leases along the Eastern slopes of the Rockies. These slopes are the watersheds for Alberta Saskatchewan an Manitoba. Open pit mining degrades water quality and quantity.
These mining leases are being granted to international companies who have been outlawed in that country. Australians have experienced the fires caused by atmospheric warming and realize the imperative to stop green house gas emissions.
Concerned Albertans can submit objections until January 15.
The joint federal and provincial environmental assessment panel is deciding whether or not to permit Benga Mining to begin mining on their leased land. This decision is a test case for all other applications.
Janet Walter, Red Deer