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)
May 10, 2024
AWA to participate in the Grassy Mountain Public Hearing
On April 10, 2024, AWA received a Notice of Hearing on the applications for a…
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• Coal
• Grassy Mountain Blog
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Native Coldwater Fish
• Public Lands
• Wildwater
May 10, 2024
AWA comments on proposed amendments to the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act
Over the last couple of months, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada has…
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• Middle Sand Hills
• Milk River - Sage Creek
• Species at Risk
• Wildlife
• Wind Power
May 3, 2024
Joint Letter to Government of Alberta MLAs re: Urgency to Reform Alberta Energy Regulation
On Friday, May 3, 2024, Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) sent a letter to Government of…
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• Coal
• Energy
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Pipelines
April 18, 2024
AWA and Keepers Reply to CNUL Re: Joint Statement of Concern Regarding Jackpine Mine Renewal Applications
Regarding the the joint Statement of Concern submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) on…
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• Oil Sands
• Rivers
April 15, 2024
News Release: New Coalition Demands Overhaul of Energy Regulation in Alberta
April 15, 2024 After repeated failures to adequately regulate energy development in Alberta, a new…
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• Coal
• Energy
• News Release
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
March 22, 2024
CNUL Reply to AWA and Keepers Joint Statement of Concern Regarding Jackpine Mine Renewal Applications
On Friday March 22, 2024, Ecojustice, Alberta Wilderness Association, and Keepers of the Water received…
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• Oil Sands
• Rivers
March 15, 2024
AER Town Hall – What We Heard Report
Executive Summary On Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) hosted a workshop with…
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• Coal
• Energy
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Publications
March 13, 2024
News Release: Athabasca River Basin seeks recognition of legal personhood in voicing concerns about the CNUL Jackpine oil sands mine
March 13, 2024 CALGARY/TERRITORIES OF THE BLACKFOOT AND PEOPLES OF TREATY 7, HOME TO MÉTIS…
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• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Rivers
• Uncategorized
March 7, 2024
Statement of Concern Submitted to the AER Regarding CNUL Jackpine Mine Renewal Applications
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Ecojustice—on behalf of Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) and Keepers of…
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• Oil Sands
• Rivers
February 28, 2024
News Release: New restrictions on renewable energy must be applied to oil and gas sector
Alberta has announced new restrictions on renewable energy development, including banning development on prime agricultural…
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• Climate Change
• News Release
• Oil and Gas
• Wind Power
February 26, 2024
News Release: No Update to Action Plan for Wood Buffalo National Park Despite Recommendations – Environmental Groups Disappointed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Edmonton, AB/Calgary, AB – Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta Chapter (CPAWS…
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• Birch-Wabasca
• Boreal Forest
• McClelland Lake
• National Parks
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Rivers
February 22, 2024
A summary of the Module B Study: Overview of Modeling Results and Key Findings prepared for the AUC
A new analysis report commissioned by the Alberta Utilities Commission recently came out that examines…
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• Hydroelectric Power
• Oil and Gas
• Transmission Lines
• Wind Power