Country singer Corb Lund has received approval from Elections Alberta to begin collecting signatures for a citizen-initiative petition that would ban all new coal mining on the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The authorization, issued in early December 2025, allows him to formally push for new legislation designed to protect the region’s headwaters.
The proposal seeks a complete prohibition on issuing any new coal-mine approvals or permits in the ecologically sensitive area. To advance the initiative to the legislature — or potentially trigger a province-wide referendum — Lund must gather about 178,000 valid signatures within the designated time frame.
Why Lund Is Leading the Effort
Lund, a sixth-generation Albertan with deep rural roots, says the petition is grounded in protecting the land and water that sustain local communities. His family, livestock and neighbours rely on the Oldman River, a major water source that originates in the Eastern Slopes.
He argues that coal mining in mountain headwater regions threatens water quality, ranching, agriculture, tourism and long-term ecological health. Lund has emphasized that his campaign is not political, but a defence of heritage and the natural resources future generations depend on.
While he supports responsible resource development, he maintains that coal mining in this region carries unacceptable environmental risks, especially concerning water contamination and irreversible landscape impacts.
What Comes Next for the Petition
With Elections Alberta’s approval in hand, Lund has four months to collect the required signatures. If successful, the initiative could compel lawmakers to debate the proposed ban or put the issue directly to voters through a referendum.
Supporters hope the petition will unite Albertans -rural and urban around long-term water security and environmental protection. For many, the campaign is shaping up to be a defining moment in the ongoing conversation about how Alberta balances development with the stewardship of its mountain and river ecosystems.
