Coal Exploration
On April 23, 2021, the Government of Alberta issued Ministerial Order 093/2021. On May 11, 2021, the AER posted Bulletin 2021-19 announcing that this order directs the AER to take steps to suspend all approvals for coal exploration activities on Category 2 land until December 31, 2021, or such other date specified in writing by the Minister of Energy. The 1976 coal development policy currently in effect for Alberta divides provincial land into four numbered categories, with Category 1 being the most restricted. Category 2 lands are found along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
