The 1976 Alberta Coal Policy was reinstated today by the Alberta government, and public participation in developing a new policy has been promised.

Energy minister Sonya Savage said the province has heard from Albertans and is reverting to the policy that dates back to the Peter Lougheed government when future premier Don Getty was minister of energy and natural resources.

“Albertans have spoken loud and clear and we have heard them," said Savage. "Not only will we reinstate the full 1976 coal policy, but we will also implement further protections and consult with Albertans on a new, modern coal policy. Alberta’s government is absolutely committed to protecting the majestic Eastern Slopes and the surrounding natural environment.”

The minister said no mountaintop removal will be permitted and all of the restrictions under the 1976 coal categories are to apply, including all restrictions on surface mining in Category 2 lands. All future coal exploration approvals on Category 2 lands will be prohibited pending widespread consultations on a new coal policy.

Current exploration on Category 2 lands will continue, as per the 1976 coal policy. Of the six coal projects being explored on Category 2 land at the time of today's announcement, four began exploration under the 1976 coal policy.

In January, the government cancelled 11 leases from a December auction and paused any future coal lease sales in former Category 2 lands.

Naturalist and renowned conservation writer Kevin Van Tighem says while he appreciates Minister Savage admitting the government was wrong, he isn't totally happy with the rest of her announcement. He said it was carefully crafted and few details were provided.

"She could have said that there will be no strip mining or surface mining in our Eastern Slopes, and she didn't. She brought back a policy that says that strip mining will not normally be considered, and I worry about what they might do with that 'not normally' clause in the future. She only instructed the Alberta regulator to prohibit mountaintop removal, which is only one kind of surface mining. Most mining in Alberta is open-pit mining, so we could have told them no open-pit mines, and she didn't. I don't feel that was an accident.

"There was a chance here to be very clear, and she wasn't. The government hasn't really earned our trust on this, and they certainly haven't restored trust with an announcement with lots hidden between the lines."

He appreciates the strong push back by Albertans but says the battle isn't over yet

"I think Albertans have come pretty darn close to saving their Eastern Slopes. I don't give credit to the government, but I sure give credit to my fellow citizens, and they're from every walk of life, every political party, every angle. It's very cool. We've all pulled together to say we value our water supply, we value our Eastern Slopes too much to see them strip-mined.

"I think we're going to win, but I don't think we have won yet."

He says Albertans need to become actively involved in the consultation when it unfolds and to remain assertive.

He says the Alberta government has made commitments to come coal companies and won't be quick to back away.

"By helping them, I mean force them, because I don't think it's really in their DNA to say no to a resource industry."

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) drew attention to the rescinding of the coal policy when it was announced in late May, and has continued to do so.

CPAWS Southern Alberta spokesperson Katie Morrison says today's announcement doesn't go far enough.

She says all exploration activity in the Eastern Slopes needs to cease right now.

"That exploration activity is having a real damaging effect in some of these areas. I think that given they are committing to consultations and a new policy, that it's inappropriate to allow that development to go forward until we have something newer and better in place."

Taking a step back to 1976 is a starting point, but she says that policy is out-of-date in terms of what we have come to realize about the region's importance to major watersheds and wildlife, and to recreationists.

"Those are values that I think are even stronger now, and more threatened. We have that opportunity to look at this landscape and improve upon the coal policy and create something that offers more protection than the coal policy did."

She is pleased Albertans are sending a clear message.

"I think the bat is not going to stop now or with this coal announcement or even the coal issue. I think Albertans will continue to speak out for these places and hopefully create a new era of moving forward responsibly in protecting our most valuable places."

"We will be heavily engaged and we're encouraging all Albertans to let the government know what they want for the future of this area."

Since the New Year, concern has particularly escalated among Albertans. One Facebook group alone, Protect Alberta's Rockies and Headwaters, has grown to over 28,000 members since being created on Dec. 18.

Concern was further heightened when musicians Corb Lund and Paul Brant spoke out.