October 22, 2020
AWA and the Grassy Mountain Coal Project Joint Review Panel Hearings
Wild Lands Advocate update by: Ian Urquhart, AWA Conservation Staff and Editor, Wild Lands Advocate…
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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AWA’s mandate throughout its four decades has been the protection of intact, representative ecosystems across Alberta. In areas where economic development is integrated within a working landscape, AWA supports robust management, regulation, and enforcement strategies.
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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)
October 9, 2020
Adventures for Wilderness, Cochrane & Lochend Areas Field Trip – Oct. 9, 2020
Led by Tako Koning Friday, October 9th began cloudy and cold but we had…
July 21, 2020
Letter to Minister Wilkinson: Designate the Vista Coal Expansion for a Federal Assessment
AWA wrote this letter to Minister Wilkinson requesting the Vista coal mine expansion be designated…
July 19, 2020
Coalspur Vista Coal Mine Phase II
Wild Lands Advocate update by: Nissa Petterson, AWA Conservation Specialist Click here for a pdf…
July 19, 2020
Southern Alberta Field Trip: “Birds, Rocks, Hills and Fields”
Wild Lands Advocate article by: Tako Koning, Senior Geologist and AWA Member Click here for…
July 14, 2020
News Release: Alberta Energy Regulator Rules that Coal and Wildlife Don’t Mix
Release Date: July 14, 2020 On July 9th, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) denied Horn…
July 13, 2020
AER Closure Letter on Horn Ridge Coal Exploration Program
AWA received the following Closure Letter from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regarding the refusal…
July 9, 2020
AER Notice of Decision: Horn Ridge Coal Exploration Program
AWA received a Notice of Decision from Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regarding Horn Ridge Resources…
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…
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…
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…
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…