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)
June 24, 2020
Letter to Premier Kenney: Reinstate Alberta’s Coal Policy
AWA sent the following letter to the Premier of Alberta requesting the reinstatement of Alberta’s…
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• Coal
• Energy
June 3, 2020
Joint Letter: Alberta Suspends Energy Industry Monitoring Requirements
In response to Alberta suspending many environmental monitoring obligations of oil sands, oil and gas…
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• Hay-Zama
• Little Smoky
• McClelland Lake
• National Parks
• News Release
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
• Rivers
• Rumsey
May 20, 2020
News Release: Alberta Strips Away Significant Mountain-Foothills Protection To Encourage Coal Mines
Release Date: May 20, 2020 Coal Policy land zones, which have protected important mountain and…
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• Coal
• Energy
• News Release
May 6, 2020
AWA Statement of Concern: Horn Ridge Coal Exploration Program
AWA sent the following Statement of Concern to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regarding Horn…
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• Coal
• Kakwa
April 3, 2020
AWA Letter: M.O. 17 Suspending Environmental Reporting Requirements
Honourable Jason Kenney Premier of Alberta premier@gov.ab.ca Honourable Jason Nixon Minister, Alberta Environment and Parks…
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• Energy
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Pipelines
• Public Lands
March 31, 2020
“A Mixed Bag:” Bill 12 and Cleaning Up Oil Wells
Wild Lands Advocate article by: Ian Urquhart, AWA Conservation Staff and Editor, Wild Lands Advocate…
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• Oil and Gas
• WLA Archive
March 31, 2020
Teck Frontier Oil Sands Mine and Wildlife
Wild Lands Advocate article by: Carolyn Campbell, AWA Conservation Specialist Click here for a pdf…
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• Oil Sands
• Wildlife
• WLA Archive
March 31, 2020
Fork in the Road
Wild Lands Advocate editorial by: Ian Urquhart, AWA Conservation Staff and Editor of Wild Lands…
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• Oil Sands
• WLA Archive
November 23, 2019
AWA Comments on Teck Frontier Oil Sands Mine
AWA urges the federal government to reject Teck’s Frontier mine proposal, in a letter submitted…
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• Bison
• Caribou
• National Parks
• News Release
• Oil Sands
October 11, 2019
Alberta Energy Regulator Review: AWA Letter to Alberta Government
Hon. Sonya Savage Minister, Alberta Energy Minister.Energy@gov.ab.ca Hon. Jason Nixon Minister, Alberta Environment and Parks…
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• Coal
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Pipelines
September 1, 2019
Canada’s Environmental Law: Promises Made versus Promises Kept
Wild Lands Advocate article by: Joanna Skrajny, AWA Conservation Specialist Click here for a pdf…
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• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Pipelines
• WLA Archive
March 1, 2019
Amisk Hydroelectric Project Near Dunvegan
In early December, David Berrade wrote AWA about the proposed Amisk Hydroelectric Project near Dunvegan,…
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• Hydroelectric Power
• WLA Archive