Renewed attempt to stop coal mining in Rockies relaunches petition

A petition opposing coal exploration on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains has been relaunched, and the provincial government said it could be included in a referendum in October.

An effort to stop coal mining in the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains has moved into a more formal phase. The petition opposing coal exploration was relaunched. Coal development in the area has been contentious since 2020. Country musician Corb Lund has been a prominent opponent and is associated with the renewed push. Key facts: - A petition opposing coal exploration on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rockies was relaunched, as reported by CBC. - The provincial government said the petition could be included on a referendum ballot in October. - Coal mining in the region has been a contested issue since 2020, and public advocacy, including from Corb Lund, has continued. Summary: The relaunch brings the issue into formal public processes and keeps the debate visible ahead of the provincial referendum window. Officials have said the petition could be considered for inclusion on the October referendum ballot, and the outcome of that process will determine whether the question appears for voters.