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

• •
• •
• •

• Introduction
• Archive
• Other Areas
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)
June 18, 2021
Grassy Mountain is Dead
Good Morning Everyone: And…it really is a wonderful morning. This may very well be one…
Read more »
• Coal
• Headwaters
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Public Lands
June 18, 2021
Grassy Mountain Coal Project Decision May Sound the Death Knell for Montem and Atrum Coal
Report of the Joint Review Panel Benga Mining Limited Grassy Mountain Coal Project Crowsnest Pass…
Read more »
• Coal
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• News Release
• Public Lands
June 18, 2021
On the Death of the Grassy Mountain Coal Project
            On June 17th, the Grassy Mountain Coal Project Joint Review Panel categorically rejected Benga…
Read more »
• Coal
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• News Release
June 9, 2021
Robust? : Environmental Regulation of Coal Mining in Alberta. Virtual Town Hall – June 8, 2021
Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Foothills are facing an unprecedented threat; coal mining exploration and development…
Read more »
• Coal
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Public Lands
• Talk
May 21, 2021
Ready to Ramp Up the Pressure on Grassy Mtn?
June 2021: ’Tis The Season To Pressure Ottawa on the Grassy Mtn Coal Project The…
Read more »
• Action Alerts
• Coal
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Public Lands
May 18, 2021
Coal and Communities Town Hall – May 18, 2021
Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Foothills are facing an unprecedented threat; coal mining exploration and development…
Read more »
• Coal
• Livingston-Porcupine
• Public Lands
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…
Read more »
• Coal
• News Release
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…
Read more »
• Coal
• News Release
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,…
Read more »
• Coal
• News Release
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…
Read more »
• Coal
March 31, 2021
AWA Calls For Federal Impact Assessment of the Tent Mountain Coal Mine Project
Alberta Wilderness Association has requested that Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson conduct a…
Read more »
• Coal
• News Release
March 24, 2021
Coal and Economics Townhall – March 23, 2021
Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Foothills are facing an unprecedented threat; coal mining exploration and development…
Read more »
• Coal
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Public Lands