Country star Corb Lund criticizes Alberta minister over coal application support
An Alberta country music star is criticizing the province’s energy minister for advising its energy regulator to accept initial applications for a coal mine project in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta.
Corb Lund says that after meeting with Energy Minister Brian Jean, he doesn’t believe the minister knows enough about the issue.
“I met with Brian Jean to discuss the coal issue a couple of months ago. And I was alarmed by how little he knew,” Lund said in an email to The Canadian Press.
“I knew more about the coal issue than he did, and I’m just a guitar player, not the minister of energy. It’s chilling to me that ill-informed politicians are making decisions about our water.”
Jean’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
On Thursday, the Alberta Energy Regulator said the Grassy Mountain steelmaking coal proposal near Crowsnest Pass should be considered an advanced project and be exempt from a ministerial order banning coal development in the mountains.
The regulator reached the decision after receiving a letter from Jean in support of considering the applications.
The regulator says it will hold public hearings on mine proponent Northback’s request for exploration permits and a water licence.
Lund, a longtime vocal opponent of coal mining in those areas, says review panels and governments have already turned down the project and polling has shown the public doesn’t support it.
“How many times do Albertans have to say no to these foreign coal companies?” he wrote.
“The joint review panel already firmly told them no, at both the provincial and federal levels — and their appeal was denied after that. Public polling has shown over and over that the vast majority of Albertans don’t want these coal mines.”
He said southern Alberta can’t support another significant water user.
“We’re dealing with crippling drought.”
“I don’t know who is pushing these things so hard when the public doesn’t want them,” Lund said. “It’s unbelievable to me. It’s asinine — like the Oldman River is in a crisis right now. And coal mines are going to contaminate the water, they’re gonna use a lot of it and it’s unbelievable to me. I’m speechless.”
While the community of Crowsnest Pass strongly supports the mine, environmental groups have said they’re considering a court challenge of the decision to exempt the applications from a ministerial order banning coal development along the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
Lund lives in the southern Alberta community of Taber.
He has released 11 albums and tours regularly in Canada, the United States and Australia. He has been nominated for five Juno Awards, winning once, and has received several nods for Group of the Year from the Canadian Country Music Association.
On Feb. 20, Lund performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2024.
View original article here Source
Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
$28.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Under Eye Mask - Reduce Dark Circles, Puffy Eyes, Undereye Bags, Wrinkles - Gel Under Eye Patches, Vegan Cruelty-Free Self Care by grace and stella (24 Pairs, Gold)
$25.95 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
$485.00 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Promover Wide Leg Pants for Women Yoga Pants with Pockets Loose Lounge Sweatpants Petite/Regular/Tall
$20.50 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sunstar 888JC GUM Advanced Care Flossers, Fresh Mint, Vitamin E & Fluoride, 150 Count (packaging may vary)
$5.77 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses for Women Men Trendy Sun Glasses Classic Shades UV400 Protection SJ1217
$21.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CAMBIVO Knee Brace Support(2 Pack), Knee Compression Sleeve for Running, Hiking, Basketball, Arthritis, ACL, Meniscus Tear, Knee Pain Relief and Injury Recovery
$27.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 32oz, Dreamy Field
$38.69 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases 2 Pack Queen - Grey Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin - Similar to Silk Pillow Cases with Envelope Closure
$11.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)