Alberta reopens the Rockies to coal mining — even though 3/4 of Albertans oppose it.
Stand with us to protect drinking water and the Rockies from contamination and destruction.
Thousands of Albertans from all parts of the province and of all political leanings are part of the movement to oppose coal exploration and development. It takes only a few minutes to take action — every letter really does make a difference. Lawn signs help spread the word to those who don’t know about the threat of coal. The government reversed course once already in response to public pressure — we can do it again!
Sign the Citizen Initiative Petition: Water Not Coal
Corb Lund has launched a Citizen Initiative Petition to legislatively ban all new coal exploration and mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, including the Grassy Mountain and Blackstone projects.
This is a formal democratic mechanism that compels the government to respond, but it requires physical, in-person signatures.
The Alberta government is ignoring science, experts, and you.
Coal mining risks our water quality.
The Eastern Slopes supply drinking water to millions. Mining exposes rock that leaches toxic selenium into our waterways.
Coal mining risks our wilderness.
Coal exploration and surface mining destroys landscapes Albertans rely on for camping, hunting, fishing, and tourism.
Coal mining risks our long-term economy.
When mining is done, multinational corporations will walk away and leave behind massive cleanup bills.
Photo: eastcherry media inc
Toxic pollutants endanger human health.
Mining releases toxic pollutants like selenium, mercury, and heavy metals into our air, soil, and water. Burning coal emits greenhouse gasses and harmful particulate matter.
Health professionals know the risks.
Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment strongly opposes coal mining. AHPE and other Alberta-based organizations are calling for a ban on all new coal mining and any mine expansions. Learn more.
The Rockies set us apart.
These beautiful landscapes are world-renowned and attract millions of visitors every year. Families and young professionals choose to live here because of them.
Changes are happening without public consultation.
The Alberta government quietly lifted the moratorium on coal exploration and development and is advancing a new framework, the Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI), without involving Albertans, and without their support.
The government is working behind closed doors with the coal industry.
The Coal Industry Modernization Initiative has no justification, no transparency, and no public mandate. The industry is pushing to redefine terms with no enforceable rules — only industry “best practices.”
Foreign-owned corporations will benefit most.
Alberta gets only 1% royalties from coal mining, at the expense of farming, ranching, tourism, and costly cleanup. A good deal for billion-dollar foreign companies but not for Albertans.
What the Alberta government isn’t telling you
Government claim
❌ “The coal policy protects the land”
The truth
✅ The 2022 moratorium is gone. Many protections are now optional or vague.
❌ “No open-pit mining in the Eastern Slopes”
✅ Strip mining is still allowed, and industry is pushing to redefine terms.
❌ “Water protections are in place.”
✅ There are no enforceable rules yet — just industry “best practices.”
❌ “This prevents lawsuits.”
✅ Legal action is ongoing, and rushing to approve projects isn’t a legal safeguard.
Photo: eastcherry media inc
Join the tens of thousands of people and communities fighting to protect Alberta’s Rockies and rivers.
Tell your elected representatives to stop undermining Alberta by halting coal projects, present and future, and demand the protection of Rockies and rivers for generations to come.
Get a Lawn Sign
Join the #CancelCoalChallenge
Take a photograph with the Alberta Beyond Coal logo on your next hike – in a special, beautiful or unusual place. Then post it to social media and tell us why you love Alberta’s Rocky Mountains!
Latest News and Updates
Insights on the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Mine
Lethbridge Herald
Lund’s Alberta anti-coal petition given go-ahead to start collecting signatures
Corb Lund sees anti-coal mining petition drive re-approved by Elections Alberta
Global News
‘I stake my reputation on this’: Corb Lund pushing ahead with anti-coal petition
Alberta Primetime
Country singer Corb Lund gets OK to launch anti-coal petition drive in Alberta
CBC News
Alberta regulator opens public input for Northback coal mining project proposal
CBC News
Senior Alberta officials stalled release of coal mine pollution science
The Narwhal
New bill forces singer Corb Lund to re-apply for anti-coal petition drive in Alberta
CBC News
Problem identified in 2015 with Alberta’s mine cleanup fund still not fixed: auditor general
CBC News
What is Alberta Beyond Coal?
Alberta Beyond Coal – Protect Our Water is led by the Alberta Environmental Network, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization.
Powered by volunteers and donations, it is working with concerned groups and people to put an end to coal mining in the Rockies, the water source for millions of people across the prairies.
Volunteer
Alberta Beyond Coal is organizing mail drop, lawn signs and call centre to raise awareness and action in Alberta.
You are invited to volunteer in a role that suits you.
Share What You’re Doing
Alberta Beyond Coal will post information about all the local groups, actions and activities that are happening across the province.
Let us know if any groups, actions and events should be added.
