I’m writing to urge you to reject any blanket ban on new coal projects in the Eastern Slopes, including Grassy Mountain, before the review is complete.

Alberta’s independent regulator is mandated to evaluate water safety, engineering integrity, environmental standards, and local economic benefits.

That process must go ahead without interference, political pressure, or premature influence of any kind. If Grassy Mountain does not meet the established requirements, it must be rejected without hesitation.

At the same time, no authority has the right to pre-emptively shut the door or deny the project before the full body of evidence has been properly and thoroughly examined. Each application needs to be weighed on its own merits.

If a referendum goes ahead, the review must continue uninterrupted; Albertans deserve both a democratic voice and an evidence-based assessment.

The precedent is enormous: if a political vote can end an industry before an independent review is complete, no sector is protected. Oil and natural gas, agriculture, and forestry are all now exposed to this kind of populist activism.

Decisions with major economic, environmental, and community impacts must be based on evidence, transparency, and a fair review process, not the loudest campaign. This sends a dangerous and deeply damaging message to workers, families, communities, and investors in Alberta if major decisions are driven by political interference rather than evidence, due process, and the rule of law.

Grassy Mountain represents hundreds of mortgage-paying jobs with benefits, pensions, and apprenticeship opportunities, significant economic opportunity, and long-term benefits for the region.

Overriding or undermining an independent regulatory process erodes confidence in Alberta as a place to invest, work, and build.

Stand up for due process, local workers and their families. Respect the integrity of the regulatory system and allow the regulator to complete its review without political interference.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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