Edmonton – Proponents of surface coal mining say the arrival of Premier Danielle Smith could open the door to new mining in the Alberta Rockies.

It was Danielle Smith’s recent comments that sparked that spark of hope.

“We hope to be able to reopen the window from this little opening by Danielle (Smith),” said Eric Lowther, a Southern Alberta citizen and president of Citizens in Support of Coal Crowsnest.

Coal mining in the Rocky Mountains was halted by ministerial decree in February 2021. This decree was issued in response to public outcry after thousands of acres of peaks and foothills were sacrificed to mineral exploration at the initiative of the United Conservative Party government.

The outcry – which brought together urban environmentalists, agricultural producers, First Nations and communities – led to the formation of a committee to draft a coal policy. This committee recommended that no new mines be permitted until a land use plan was adopted.

Opponents of coal mining feared possible pollution of the waters off almost all supply sources in the province and the destruction of the landscape.

However, during the recent UCP leadership race, then-candidate Danielle Smith reportedly mentioned to some people in the southern communities of Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek that she would be open to ideas to reevaluate the decision.

At Crowsnest Pass, many were disappointed by the decision, following a federal and state evaluation, to reject the Grassy Mountain coal mine application.

“If there were significant support from the local population in a referendum,[Danielle Smith]would be more inclined to help us,” believes Eric Lowther, who attended the two meetings in the presence of the one who eventually won the race.

Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter said he challenged Danielle Smith over the coal issue during the public meeting in her community. However, he declined to share the response received. However, others present confirmed Eric Lowther’s version to The Canadian Press.

Additionally, other Albertans posted messages on social media that Danielle Smith made similar comments throughout the lead race.

When questioned by reporters on the issue during her campaign, Danielle Smith refused to oblige. She specifically responded to the Edmonton Journal that she would consult with MPs from the PCU before making any changes.

Prime Minister’s spokeswoman Rebecca Polak, who was called for a response on Wednesday, declined to comment on reported coal mining comments.

“The prime minister traveled around the province during her leadership campaign and discussed a variety of issues with Albertans,” she wrote in an email.

“Responsible resource development is a top priority for the Alberta government. Premier Smith will continue to be briefed on this important issue and she will meet with her caucus and her future cabinet, including the Environment Secretary, in the coming weeks to discuss this issue in more depth,” she added.

The Prime Minister will announce the composition of her new cabinet this week. A new energy minister could overturn the decree.

Martin Olszynski, a law professor at the University of Calgary, says that even if a new energy secretary were given a mandate to overturn the executive order, any new mining project would have to go through a lengthy environmental assessment process that also involves the federal government.

Furthermore, Professor Olszynski points out that there is no legal way Danielle Smith could revive the Grassy Mountain project. The permit application was rejected and the decision upheld by two courts, including the Supreme Court.