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!
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 the Rockies and rivers.
Send a Letter
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.
It takes just two minutes and really does make a difference.
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!
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 is happening in the province.
Let us know if any groups, actions and events should be added.
