Country musician Corb Lund has delivered his Citizen Initiative Petition today calling for a ban on new coal mining projects in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
The petition titled “No New Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains” targets the Grassy Mountain and Blackstone coal project, citing concerns about environmental impacts and water quality. Project developers say their proposals have public support and would create jobs while meeting environmental standards.
Elections Alberta has confirmed they have received the petition, and are beginning the 21-day verification process. The petition needs 177,732 signatures to become successful. If enough signatures are verified, the provincial government would have to consider legislation banning the projects or hold a referendum.
The country singer toured Alberta earlier this year to gather signatures, with one of his stops being our own city of Lethbridge.