Energy - Alberta Wilderness Association

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)

May 7, 2021

Financially-Troubled Atrum Coal to Present to High River Town Council

Atrum Coal, the financially-troubled Australian proponent of the Elan open-pit coal mining project in Alberta’s…

April 23, 2021

The Coal Consultation Update: Some Good News… But the Cart is Still Before the Horse

Energy Minister Sonya Savage delivered some good news in her April 23, 2021 coal consultation…

April 16, 2021

Coal Consultation Terms of Reference: A Staggering Betrayal of the Public’s Trust

On April 15th, more than two weeks after Minister Savage announced a coal consultation process,…

April 3, 2021

Please Complete the Alberta Government’s Coal Consultation Survey

Dear Members and Supporters: Happy Easter long weekend to you and yours! It’s imperative to…

Coal

March 31, 2021

Coal

January 19, 2021

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

Financially-Troubled Atrum Coal to Present to High River Town Council

The Coal Consultation Update: Some Good News… But the Cart is Still Before the Horse

Coal Consultation Terms of Reference: A Staggering Betrayal of the Public’s Trust

Please Complete the Alberta Government’s Coal Consultation Survey

AWA Calls For Federal Impact Assessment of the Tent Mountain Coal Mine Project

Coal and Economics Townhall – March 23, 2021

Promise & Ambiguity: Reinstating the 1976 Coal Policy

Creating a Silver Lining Out of Disaster?

“Coal Hard Facts” in a Land of Make Believe

Cancelling Leases, Pausing Lease Sales in Category 2 Lands – A Good First Step

Crunch Time for Re-Instating the Coal Policy?

AWA Letter: Petroleum and Natural Gas Leases Offered in the Milk River Natural Area