AWA believes that energy exploration and development must be regulated in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of wilderness values.

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We believe in a fundamental need for wilderness that is free of industrial incursion; a network of legislated protected areas is currently the only framework under which this can be ensured. Outside of such areas, exploration and development must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Full-field life-cycle planning must be required for all new developments including phase-out, remediation, and reclamation. Adequate reclamation liability must be assessed on a per-project basis that accounts for all remediation and reclamation costs, and does not leave Albertans vulnerable to major financial risks.
AWA believes Alberta’s wilderness and natural capital are non-renewable resources of immeasurable value, and must be considered as such and given priority in land-use planning.  An overarching land-use plan is desperately needed in Alberta to set targets for all sectors, determine thresholds and establish priorities for land use throughout the province. Conservation areas must be designated with legal protection.
When considering land disturbance impacts, the cumulative footprint of all past, present and planned developments upon the landscape must be considered. Energy development does not take place in isolation: it occurs on a landscape also impacted by forestry, residential and recreational developments. The combined footprint of all of these activities must be considered in planning decisions.
Collectively, we know that the economic value of the ecosystem services performed by natural ecosystems for humankind far exceeds that of industrial development.

AWA has been involved with Shell Canada as they work to restore landscapes once active with drilling and extraction; Waterton 12 is one such site (shown above). (N. Douglas)

Seen in the photo are AWA and Shell Canada employees discussing the process and early results of reclamation efforts at this site that has reached its full life-cycle. (C. Olson)
November 7, 2024
AWA’s written submission for the Grassy Mountain public hearing on Northback’s coal exploration applications
On November 5, 2024 the following letter was provided as AWA’s written submission in advance…
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• Coal
• Grassy Mountain Blog
• Headwaters
• Livingstone-Porcupine
November 5, 2024
News Release: AWA Applauds Oil and Gas Pollution Cap, but Improvements are Needed
November 5, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) appreciates the highly anticipated release…
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• Climate Change
• News Release
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
October 31, 2024
Alarm bells raised as Alberta’s refusal to assess dangers of massive oilsands carbon capture project sparks safety concerns
October 31, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CALGARY/TERRITORIES OF THE BLACKFOOT AND PEOPLES OF TREATIES 6…
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• Climate Change
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Pipelines
• Uncategorized
September 26, 2024
Renewable Energy Development on Agricultural Land
Regarding the enacted and proposed restrictions on renewable energy – not applied to other, more…
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• Energy
• Grasslands
• Solar Power
• Wind Power
September 19, 2024
Coal in the Eastern Slopes: September Update + Letter-Writing Tool
Another day in the convoluted world of coal By Kennedy Halvorson Northback’s application for further…
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• Action Alerts
• Areas of Concern
• Coal
• Rocky Mountain and Foothills Forests
September 18, 2024
How Much of Alberta is Left for Renewable Energy?
A Review of the Enacted, Proposed and Potential Limitations on Renewable Energy Development in Alberta…
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• Climate Change
• Grasslands
• Oil and Gas
• Solar Power
• Wind Power
September 13, 2024
AWA Feedback on New Federal Greenwashing Provisions
On Friday September 13, 2024, Alberta Wilderness Association wrote to the Competition Bureau of Canada…
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• Climate Change
• Forests
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
August 26, 2024
AWA supports Ecojustice’s request to designate the Vista Mine expansion under the Impact Assessment Act
On August 26, 2024, AWA sent the Minister of Environment and Climate Change a letter…
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• Climate Change
• Coal
• Native Coldwater Fish
• Wildwater
August 14, 2024
AWA comments on the Black Bear Power Plant Project
AWA submitted comments regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Black Bear Power Plant, a…
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• Oil and Gas
July 31, 2024
Joint Letter to Political Leaders Demanding Climate Action After Jasper Wildfires
July 31, 2024 The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Pierre…
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• Climate Change
• Forests
• Oil and Gas
July 4, 2024
News Release: Province must cancel coal leases if it’s serious about improving recreational experiences
The Alberta government has reopened Crescent Falls recreation area after investing to improve it, yet…
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• Bighorn
• Coal
• News Release
• Protected Areas
May 14, 2024
The Health, Environmental and Financial Risks of Oil Sands Carbon Capture Projects Need to be Adequately Assessed by Alberta
Groups request environmental impact assessment of the Pathways Alliance carbon capture project May 14, 2024…
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• Energy
• News Release