The $50,000 signature threshold crossed

Corb Lund's team has collected over 50,000 signatures in support of the petition to prohibit new coal mining in the Rockies, more than double the required amount. This effort is part of a larger movement to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the Rockies.

The petition asked signers to endorse prohibiting new coal mining in the Rockies on the grounds it needlessly risks harm to the environment, particularly to water. A successful petition would force Premier Danielle Smith's government to consider passing a law banning coal mining or sending it to a provincewide referendum.

Water Not Coal: A four-month grassroots campaign

For the past four months, Lund's effort, dubbed Water Not Coal, has gathered signatures at events, including a multi-day horseback ride from Longview to Edmonton. the group is calling on the government to prioritize the health of the environment over the interests of the coal industry.

This movement is not just about stopping coal mining but also about preserving the way of life for the people who live in the region.. The petition has garnered significant support from the community, with many people expressing their concerns about the impact of coal mining on the environment.

What's next for the Water Not Coal movement?

The next step is for Lund's team to hand the names over to Elections Alberta for verification. Once verified, the petition will be presented to the government,which will be forced to consider the petition and take action to address the concerns of the community.

Headlines Orbit's take: This grassroots campaign is a testament to the power of community involvement in protecting the environment. The success of this petition is a significant development in the fight to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the Rockies.