Writing an op-ed for your local newspaper is one of the most powerful, and often underused ways to take meaningful action for conservation. It lets you speak directly to your community, contribute to and shape the public dialogue, and show your decision-makers that people are paying attention and are willing to speak up. When you put pen to paper to share your perspective publicly, you’re raising your voice and amplifying the concerns of others in your community who feel the same way.

And no, you don’t need to be a professional writer! You just need to be someone who cares. Local papers often welcome submissions from everyday citizens like yourself, especially if you’ve got a personal connection to the issue at hand.

Recently, a couple of our incredible volunteers wrote op-eds about coal in Southern Alberta, and they did a fantastic job! Take a moment to read their pieces for some inspiration…maybe it’s time for your voice to take the spotlight with a byline of your own. And if you need a little more guidance, check out our Op-Ed Writing Guide.

Turning a Blind Eye – The Advancement of the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine
Author: Ren Ellis

The short story: Coal extraction is continuing in Southern Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, under the guise of the new progressive and “responsible” Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI). The long story involves an extensive history of coal mining legislation dating back to 1976 alongside ongoing concerns over impacts to local ecosystems and clean drinking water.

A key project in the spotlight is Grassy Mountain. Originally proposed by Benga Mining Ltd., the project was denied by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) back in 2021 due to projected environmental impacts. In 2022, the Government of Alberta issued an order allowing “advanced” projects to continue amidst a moratorium on new coal exploration in the Eastern Slopes. In 2023, the companies applied for a new exploration permit under the name Northback Holdings, which was allowed to proceed through the regulatory process. This decision was appealed by the Municipal District of Ranchlands, however, following the lifting of the moratorium in January 2025 the appeal was dropped.

Regardless of the technicalities of Northback’s application, the environmental impacts this project would have on the local environment would be astronomical. Northback has acknowledged some concerns, particularly to local waterways, however, no effective plans to manage selenium-runoff has been provided. As a conservation graduate, I am deeply concerned by these potential impacts to threatened fish species, such as bull trout, and local communities. 90% of the drinking water for the province comes from the head waters of the Eastern Slopes, making this a critical issue for many Albertans. A proposed solution is to identify selenium-rich rocks and ensure these are not released. Such a task would require extensive manual labor and is not feasible at this scale.

The disguise that Benga/Northback has put on to proceed here is unacceptable and disingenuous. The proposed economic gains do not outweigh the environmental impacts this project would have on the landscape and local communities. Moreover, coal mining in the Eastern Slopes should not be proceeding when the majority of Albertans have expressed their opposition. The Government of Alberta needs a new coal policy today to ban future development where it does not belong. If you are a member of the public who wants their voice heard here, write a letter to local ministers using this resource.

Why Isn’t the Government Listening? Albertans Reject Coal in the Rockies
Author: Beth Crowe

If you ask people why they enjoy living in Alberta, so often they say the proximity to the mountains. Albertans connect with these beautiful lands through various activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. We love our mountains and natural landscapes as they are. 

And because of this, the majority of Albertans are against any new coal mining in the Rocky Mountain Eastern Slopes. In 2021, 76% of Albertans stated that they opposed any new coal exploration or mine development in the province (during the 2021 Coal Policy public engagement), and that number may be closer to 90% today.  

However, on December 20, 2024, the Alberta Government announced the development of a new coal policy, the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI), and on January 20, 2025, they rescinded the moratorium on coal mining in the Eastern Slopes. This means nearly 188,000 hectares of potential coal leases on the Eastern Slopes are again open to new coal exploration and mining. So why isn’t the Government of Alberta listening to Albertans on this issue?   

Coal mining and exploration continues to threaten the Rocky Mountains and the health of Albertans. The Eastern Slopes provide nearly 2 million Albertans with drinking water, support Alberta’s diverse agriculture, ranching, tourism and recreation economies, and provide Albertans with amazing places to recreate, connect with nature, and nourish our mental and physical health.  

The potential risks of coal mining are far reaching and long lasting. For example, there could be a direct negative impact on Lethbridge’s drinking water, as the City is downstream of proposed developments like Grassy Mountain. In fact, the City of Lethbridge has stated that the drinking water treatment system infrastructure is unable to remove metals that would be released into the water from mine sites, and they are opposed to new coal mining activity for this reason. These mine sites also use large quantities of water, which could reduce the amount available for downstream communities, agriculture, and wildlife species. 

Albertans are proud of these beautiful landscapes and species. They do not want to see them damaged. Coal mining and exploration destroy habitat for sensitive wildlife, including mountain goats, grizzly bears, and native trout. Metals released during mining can increase concentrations six to eleven times in waterways downstream and can cause birth defects in fish. 

Coal mining and exploration create too much risk to our local communities and ecosystems. Join other Albertans in letting the Alberta government know that we and our communities STILL do not want coal mining and exploration in the Eastern Slopes. It’s as easy as sending a letter to the Minister of Energy and Minerals or calling your MLA. Let your voice be heard! 

A concerned Albertan,  

Beth Crowe