Photo: The Canadian Press
In this March 28, 2017, file photo, a dump truck hauls coal at Contura Energy's Eagle Butte Mine near Gillette, Wyo. Public opposition to the Alberta government's plans to expand coal mining in the Rocky Mountains appears to be growing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Mead Gruver, File
Public opposition to the Alberta government's plan to expand coal mining in the Rocky Mountains appears to be growing.
More than 100,000 signatures have been collected on two petitions opposing the move, one addressed to the federal government and one to the province.
A Facebook site called Protect Alberta's Rockies and Headwaters has more than doubled its membership over the last week to more than 10,000 people.
An environmental review into one coal project has received more than 4,000 statements of concern from members of the public.
Government documents that have surfaced show three more recreation areas in the mountains and foothills are surrounded by coal exploration leases — for a total of eight.