Alberta’s approach to coal development along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains has returned to the centre of provincial debate after years of policy reversals, regulatory changes and sustained public opposition. The issue has resurfaced amid renewed government action and a formal citizen initiative seeking to block new coal activity in the region.

Protections for the eastern slopes date back to Alberta’s 1976 Coal Development Policy, which imposed strict limits on coal mining in the Rocky Mountains and foothills. The policy barred development on the most environmentally sensitive Category 1 lands and tightly regulated activity elsewhere, helping protect headwaters, wildlife habitat and mountain landscapes by restricting most open-pit mining in high-risk areas.

That framework was rescinded in 2020, reopening large areas of the eastern slopes to potential coal development and triggering widespread backlash from ranchers, municipalities and environmental groups. Following intense public pressure, the government reinstated key protections in 2021. Another shift followed in January 2025, when the province lifted a moratorium on coal exploration and development, reactivating previously paused permits while launching the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative to replace the decades-old policy.

The modernization effort has drawn sharp disagreement. The province says it maintains water protections while allowing certain forms of coal development, including underground mining, while continuing to block new open-pit and mountaintop-removal projects in the foothills. Critics argue the updated direction still exposes sensitive watersheds to contamination risks such as selenium. Legal pressure from coal companies seeking compensation for past restrictions has also factored into the policy debate.

Public opposition has now moved into the formal legislative process. In January 2026, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer approved a citizen initiative application backed by musician Corb Lund calling for legislation to prohibit all coal exploration and mining in the eastern slopes, except for mines already in production as of Jan. 1, 2026.

The proposal explicitly includes projects such as Grassy Mountain and Blackstone. Elections Alberta has issued a notice of initiative petition, triggering the next phase that will set signature requirements and timelines, with canvassing to begin only after the official petition is released.