Despite changes announced last week by the provincial government, Foothills County has sent off a letter to Edmonton asking for among other things more consultation on future coal policies.

Division two councillor Delilah Miller says they want something that makes the rules harder to change.

"We're requesting premier Kenney, request that the Province of Alberta commit to developing legislation that would replace the coal development policy for Alberta," she says. "They should do their due diligence on public consultation and then come up with a good policy that reflects today's environmental concerns and addresses those and protects our headwaters as well."

She says they're worried about water quality but also the loss of the mountain vistas, the grasslands and the wildlife habitat.

Miller agrees with High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass that the government's move was a good first step but more needs to be done to protect the area of the eastern slopes.

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