While coal-powered steam trains are largely a thing of the past, the Grassy Mountain coal project – which was deemed not in the public interest by provincial and federal regulators and thus rejected in 2021 – was also thought to be a thing of the past but now feels like an anachronistic freight train on a one-way track.

And, just like a train with a single, pre-determined destination, the regulatory approval process appears to be barrelling forward without care or consideration for the countless social and environmental concerns associated with this controversial project or even the current policy framework.

If you haven’t been keeping up with the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine, it’s been quite the saga: In 2022, after nearly two years of public outcry over new coal development in the Rocky Mountains, the energy minister issued a ministerial order to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for a moratorium on any new coal exploration or mine applications, except for “advanced projects.” Advanced projects were considered those with an active mine application.

Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter........

© Calgary Herald