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)

March 1, 2018

News Release: Environmental groups, Cold Lake First Nations, petition Minister of Environment and Climate Change for caribou protections

Safety net order would allow the federal government to extend Species at Risk Act protections…

November 27, 2017

Letter from ENGOs and Cold Lake First Nations Seeking Caribou Safety Net Order

A letter to the federal environment minister requesting a safety net order to protect habitat…

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

Fresh Water Use in Oil and Gas Fracking Operations

ENGO Letter to Ministers: Caribou and Oil Sands Lease Continuation Review

Help Save Alberta Caribou From Extinction

AWA Comments on Alberta’s Draft Provincial Woodland Caribou Range Plan

Alberta ‘Plan to Plan’ Won’t Save Our Endangered Caribou

Alberta Government Draft Provincial Woodland Caribou Range Plan

Cleaning Up After Ourselves: Oil Sands Mine Liability Program Needs Major Reform

After Obed: The Path to Better Dam Safety Regulation

Caribou Safety Net Question in House of Commons

AWA News Release: Albertans Deliver ‘Quarters for Caribou’ to Premier

News Release: Environmental groups, Cold Lake First Nations, petition Minister of Environment and Climate Change for caribou protections

Letter from ENGOs and Cold Lake First Nations Seeking Caribou Safety Net Order