Choose science over hysteria and false promises
By Lethbridge Herald on June 4, 2025.
Editor,
A Crowsnest Pass Herald editorial was used to convey surprise that protesters opposed to the Alberta Energy Regulator’s recent approval of further Grassy Mountain coal exploration would choose to protest in Crowsnest Pass as they did in mid-May.
Could it be that the location was selected because it’s just a stone’s throw from Northback Holdings and its Australian billionaire owner’s chosen loadout for the envisioned Grassy Mountain coal mine?
The editorial went on to state, “I stand by those who trust science over hysteria … .”
My hope would be that everyone would trust science over hysteria.
The problem as I see it is that pro-coal hype leads to fake news and proclamations rich in fantasy and fiction.
When your focus is on the perceived wealth that might be achieved by mining coal, it’s easy to be lured by false promises, and lulled by words that bury science under a pile of waste coal.
David McIntyre
Crowsnest Pass,
10-9
A BC study shows that economic benefits from coal have been overstated: 59% of jobs, 34% tax revenues. A U of C study shows the economic benefits of Grassy Mountain to be a wash – that is net-zero.
Real pollution or overstated economic promises. What’s hysterical about that choice?
Water is definitely the most important concern for mankind. The UCP doesn’t see it that way. They want to make their rich friends even richer.
My experience with the coal industry is times are great as long as the company is profitable. Once the price of coal drops (and it will) the company starts losing money then there will be temporary shutdowns, layoffs and in a worst case scenario a complete shutdown and possibally bankruptcy. The company will leave and not look back. The aftermath of its mining operations will adversely affect the environment for generations to come.