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“By reaching zero coal emissions by 2030, we will reduce ER visits, protect Albertans and save hundreds of millions of dollars in costs that impact the health care system,” Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said Monday.

Campbell said the coal industry “has done a good job of being environmental stewards of the landscape and understand their responsibilities.” He said money in the province’s technology fund, into which high emitters in industry contribute, should be spent on coal technology to make “coal more user-friendly.”

“If the data are correct on the health risks — I haven’t had a chance to study it yet — with new technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions we can help alleviate some of these health problems,” Campbell said. “But to put all of these health problems on the coal industry is unfair at this point in time.”

He said his association needs to know the parameters and mandate of the provincial negotiator: who will first in the compensation queue? Campbell asked. When coal towns shut down, will people be compensated for the lost value on their homes? Then there are shareholders who have invested millions.

“The government needs to understand what kind of money we’re about talking here at the end of the day,” Campbell said.

Interim Progressive Conservative Leader Ric McIver said consultation is a must. He has heard one of the Keephills coal plants is almost as efficient in terms of emissions as natural gas plants.

“While it’s fine for the government to say we’re switching to natural gas, perhaps they should work with industry to keep working on that technology that’s come so far and see if they can push it farther and then they don’t have to lock billions of dollars of value in the ground because Alberta is essentially built on a coal bed,” McIver said.

jsinnema@edmontonjournal.com

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