An Alberta ranching community is in a battle against proposed coal exploration in the Rocky Mountains, arguing that the province’s energy regulator should not have accepted a letter from the energy minister suggesting approval for Northback Holdings. The Municipal District of Ranchland is seeking to appeal the decision made by the Alberta Energy Regulator, which exempted Northback’s plans for Grassy Mountain from the order blocking such development.
Northback intends to develop an open-pit coal mine on Grassy Mountain, despite previous denials from federal and provincial environmental reviews. The company believes its project summary qualifies it as an advanced project, but opponents are concerned about irreversible habitat loss and wildlife disturbance.
The regulator accepted Northback’s applications following the energy minister’s letter, prompting public hearings. However, Ranchland argues that the regulator wrongly heeded the minister’s suggestion, delegating its decision-making power. The appeal request has raised uncertainty about Northback’s plans, with opponents calling for a delay until the appeal is ruled on.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the regulator is planning the hearings and will grant standing to those directly impacted or offering valuable perspectives without causing delays.