Coal mine expansion a dangerous step backward for public health and our environment

A technical loophole is letting us undermine our climate commitments, and ignores the fundamental reality that greenhouse gas emissions affect our climate regardless of where coal is burned.

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and the government should reconsider the decision and require a comprehensive environmental assessment of the Vista coal mine expansion, writes Stephen Wilton.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY STEPHEN WILTON

July 14, 2025

While Albertans choke on wildfire smoke and watch our rivers dwindle, federal regulators have just handed a foreign-owned coal company permission to expand one of North America's largest thermal coal mines without proper environmental scrutiny.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Tuesdays: Innovation & Industry Newsletter

The policies, decisions, and people working on investment and regulation in the industry and innovation realm.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy