November 9, 2015
Open Letter from Alberta Coal Phaseout Coalition Encouraging Accelerated Coal Phase Out
AWA joined 10,000 doctors and 25,000 nurses as part of the Alberta Coal Phaseout Coalition…
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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 1, 2015
At the Top of Grassy Mountain
Wild Lands Advocate article from October 2015 by Brittany Verbeek, AWA Conservation Specialist. Sometimes it…
August 27, 2015
Pembina’s Institute Tips for Climate Leadership Survey
Pembina Institute published a document to help citizens fill out Alberta’s Climate Leadership Survey. Read…
August 4, 2015
AWA News Release: End in Sight for Energy Leasing in Alberta Caribou Ranges?
Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) has found that no new energy rights within Alberta caribou ranges…
June 17, 2015
NGO Letter to Environment & Parks Minister on Little Smoky-Duvernay Land and Water Management Crisis and Solutions
Letter to Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks from 10 Alberta conservation organizations, including Alberta…
May 1, 2015
AWA News Release: Oil and Gas Development Transforming North American Landscapes
Accelerated drilling activity is transforming significant portions of North America’s natural landscapes. University of Montana…
April 28, 2015
AWA News Release: Brisk Alberta Energy Lease Sales in Endangered Caribou Habitat Continue During Election: Who Will Sustainably Manage Alberta’s Forests and Wildlife?
On April 29, in the midst of an election, the Alberta government plans another major…
April 1, 2015
Alberta Peace River Dam Project Cancelled By TransAlta
Wild Lands Advocate update, April 2015, by Carolyn Campbell Alberta’s Peace River Valley received an…
March 23, 2015
AWA News Release: Alberta Could Choose Habitat Recovery Plan, Instead More Lease Sales in Endangered Mountain Caribou Ranges are Planned
The Alberta government has posted new energy leases for sale in the same endangered mountain…
March 23, 2015
AWA Letter to AER Re: Riversdale’s Grassy Mountain Coal Project TOR for EIA
The AWA is requesting that the Grassy Mountain Coal Project halt. If the project is…
March 21, 2015
AWA News Release: Little Smoky Fracking Water Application Reveals Alberta’s Missing Cumulative Effects Management in Duvernay Region
Alberta’s lack of cumulative effects management is revealed in Shell’s recent application to use up…
March 13, 2015
ENGO News Release: Government Plan Fails to Protect Lower Athabasca River When Most Needed
The lower Athabasca River will continue to be exposed to significant risks under the Surface…
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