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)

September 21, 2023

AWA’s letter to the Premier and Minister of Energy and Mineral regarding Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes

Alberta Wilderness Association wrote Premier Smith and Minister Jean on September 21, 2023 to express…

September 21, 2023

AWA’s Statement of Concern regarding Northback Holdings Corporation (formerly Benga Mining Ltd.)’s application to explore Grassy Mountain Coal Deposit

Australian company Benga Mining Ltd. of the proposed (and infamous) Grassy Mountain Coal Mine is…

September 5, 2023

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

AWA’s letter to the Premier and Minister of Energy and Mineral regarding Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes

AWA’s Statement of Concern regarding Northback Holdings Corporation (formerly Benga Mining Ltd.)’s application to explore Grassy Mountain Coal Deposit

AWA Letter to ECCC Regarding the Management of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water (Tailings)

AWA’s Statement of Concern on Summit Coal Inc.’s Mine 14

News Release: Suncor Admits its McClelland Plan is Insufficient – Should lead Regulator to Revoke Approval

Alberta moratorium on renewables threatens the energy transition

Duncan’s First Nation: Protecting the Land and Their Way of Life

Suncor Reply Submission to the AER’s Reconsideration Process for the Approval of the MLWC Operational Plan

Why Renewable Energy Isn’t Always “Green” Energy

AWA Comments on Alberta Premier’s Ministerial Mandate Letters

AWA Statement of Concern on the 2022 IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission Report for Wood Buffalo National Park

AWA letter of concern on Moraine Power Generation Project and carbon capture