Montana Governor Judy Martz has written to Premier Gordon Campbell to inform him that she is “exploring the possibility of asking the Canadian Government to conduct an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act prior to the sale of” coalbed methane leases that have been posted for auction in the Crowsnest Coalfield

This follows closely a delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Mines that met with state officials and others in Helena last week. It was clear in that meeting that the BC government has no intention of withdrawing the proposed auction of tenure.

It has further come to light that assurances about water studies made in Helena were not correct, and the BC government’s own consultants are advising that three years of baseline studies need to be undertaken before development work should proceed.