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)

October 10, 2014

AWA News Release: Alberta Oil-Gas-Oilsands Footprint Grows in Endangered Caribou Habitat Despite Viable Alternatives

An area the size of Prince Edward Island (over 560,000 hectares) has been auctioned for…

October 10, 2014

AWA Letter to Energy Minister Oberle re: 1976 Coal Development Policy for Alberta

Honourable Frank Oberle Minister of Energy #408 Legislature Building 10800 – 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB…

Coal
Energy

October 8, 2014

Coal
Energy

December 20, 2013

AWA News Release: Northern Gateway Pipeline–Approval Mostly Silent on Upstream Impacts for Alberta’s Boreal Forest and Foothills

The National Energy Board (NEB) yesterday recommended approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline across central…

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

AWA News Release: Alberta Oil-Gas-Oilsands Footprint Grows in Endangered Caribou Habitat Despite Viable Alternatives

AWA Letter to Energy Minister Oberle re: 1976 Coal Development Policy for Alberta

AWA Letter to Premier re: Lease Sales in Milk River Ridge HR

South Saskatchewan Regional Plan

AWA News Release: AWA Applauds Charges Laid Against Plains Midstream for Red Deer River Crude Oil Pipeline Spill

Birds and Tar Sands Tailings Ponds: Ever Safe to Land?

Dark and Dirty: Time to Dethrone King Coal in Alberta

Alberta’s Bats on Non-Licence Animal List

A Telling Tailings Tale [audio / video]

AWA News Release: Leases Reveal Cumulative Effects Management Absent in Alberta Tar Sands, Forests

AWA Urges Panelists to Phase Out Coal

AWA News Release: Northern Gateway Pipeline–Approval Mostly Silent on Upstream Impacts for Alberta’s Boreal Forest and Foothills