AWA Comments to AUC on Wind Energy Regulation

After reviewing a summary of stakeholder discussions following a stakeholder engagement process by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on the development of wind energy regulations in Alberta, AWA has serious outstanding concerns and related suggestions regarding the regulation of wind energy development in Alberta. There are a number of critical issues that have not been adequately addressed including the far-reaching footprint of wind energy developments, the necessary role of AUC as a regulator in compliance monitoring, the need for clear regulations guiding environmental thresholds and reclamation of old sites, the need to have regional planning that identifies thresholds for cumulative impacts, and the need to employ the precautionary principle and adaptive management in this rapidly changing and expanding industry.