Grassy Mountain coal project ‘not in the public interest,’ review panel says

© CBC Construction equipment near Grassy Mountain, with Crowsnest Mountain in the background. The Alberta Energy Regulator says the coal project is not in the public interest and has denied the provincial applications.

A review panel for the Alberta Energy Regulator has denied the provincial application for the Grassy Mountain Coal project, ruling the project is “not in the public interest.”

“The panel’s decision reflects the AER’s commitment to making evidence-based and risk-informed decisions in the public interest,” said Laurie Pushor, president and CEO of the Alberta Energy Regulator, in a release.

In a statement, Energy Minister Sonya Savage and Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon said they respected the panel’s recommendation.

“All proposed coal projects are subject to stringent review to ensure development is safe, environmentally responsible and meets all requirements,” the statement reads.

“In this case, the process worked as it should. The panel’s recommendation demonstrates that Alberta’s legislative and regulatory framework is robust and thoroughly considers environmental impacts as part of any resource development project.”