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)
November 20, 2013
Toxic Oil Sands Waters Spilled by Suncor into Athabasca River in 2011 and 2013
Wild Lands Advocate article, April/May 2013, by Carolyn Campbell. A burst waste-water line at a…
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• Headwaters
• Oil Sands
• Rivers
November 19, 2013
Environmental Protection Order NO. EPO-2013/34-CR Given to CVRI and Sherritt by ESRD
Environmental Protection Order NO. EPO-2013/34-CR Given to CVRI and Sherritt by ESRD [9 pages, 131KB…
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• Coal
November 15, 2013
Letter from Ecojustice (AWA) to Government of Alberta RE: Obed Mountain Coal Mine Spill
Letter from Ecojustice (AWA) to Government of Alberta RE: Obed Mountain Coal Mine Spill [6…
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• Coal
October 1, 2013
Judge Criticizes Biased Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Procedures
In a notable ruling on October 1, a judge overturned an Alberta government decision to…
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• Oil Sands
September 26, 2013
AWA Alberta Coal Policy
AWA briefing note on the  Alberta Coal Policy. AWA believes the intent and environmental focus…
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• Coal
September 26, 2013
Map of Alberta Coal Mines and ISCG Pilot Projects
This map shows the different types of coal found in certain areas around the province…
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• Coal
September 25, 2013
Further Impacts of CNRL Primrose’s Ongoing Bitumen Spills
Yesterday, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) received permission from Alberta Environment and Sustainable Development (ESRD)…
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• Oil Sands
September 20, 2013
Map of Alberta Coal Activity
This map of Alberta shows coal lease areas and non-lease areas 20130000_map_ab_coal_activity_w_nolease_areas.pdf
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• Coal
September 10, 2013
AWA News Release: Alberta Wetland Policy Exempts Oilsands Industry, Abandons No-Net-Loss in Prairies
The Alberta government’s wetland policy announced today will exempt all approved and near-term foreseeable oilsands…
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• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
September 6, 2013
Letter: Natural Gas-Fired Facility, Not Coal-Fired
On September 6, 2013 a letter was sent by the President of Maxim Power Corp…
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• Coal
August 23, 2013
AWA News Release: Alberta Pipeline Safety Inadequate for Water Bodies
The Alberta government today released a report that it received in December 2012 recommending safety…
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• Pipelines
August 23, 2013
AWA News Release: Alberta Pipeline Safety Inadequate for Water Bodies
The Alberta government today released a report that it received in December 2012 recommending safety…
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• News Release
• Pipelines