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)
March 20, 2013
AWA News Release: March 2013 Energy Lease Sales Break Alberta Caribou Policy
The Alberta government is selling new petroleum and natural gas lease sales in five threatened…
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• Bistcho
• Caribou
• Chinchaga
• Little Smoky
• Oil and Gas
February 6, 2013
AWA News Release: Stop Alberta Energy Leases in Threatened Little Smoky Caribou Range
In violation of Alberta’s 2011 woodland caribou policy that places an immediate priority on maintaining…
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• Caribou
• Little Smoky
• Oil and Gas
February 6, 2013
AWA Wilderness & Wildlife Defenders: Request AB Energy Minister Defer New Leases in Threatened Little Smoky Caribou Range
In violation of Alberta’s 2011 woodland caribou policy that places an immediate priority on maintaining…
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• Action Alerts
• Caribou
• Little Smoky
• Oil and Gas
February 6, 2013
Open Letter to AB Energy Minister: Defer New Leases within Threatened Little Smoky Caribou Range
An open letter to Alberta Minister of Energy Ken Hughes, requesting deferral of planned energy…
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• Caribou
• Little Smoky
• Oil and Gas
December 18, 2012
AWA New Release: New Road in Little Smoky Caribou Range Mocks Alberta Policy
A new road built in the last several weeks by Tourmaline Oil Corp. within critical…
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• Caribou
• Little Smoky
• Oil and Gas
• Wolves
December 13, 2012
ACA’s Proposed Pilot Conservation Plan (Presentation) for the Redrock-Prairie Creek Mountain Caribou Herd
The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) prepared this slide presentation to illustrate its proposed pilot conservation…
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• Caribou
• Coal
• Kakwa
• Oil Sands
December 13, 2012
ACA’s Proposed Pilot Conservation Plan (Summary) for the Redrock-Prairie Creek Mountain Caribou Herd
The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) prepared this proposal for a pilot conservation plan for the…
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• Caribou
• Coal
• Kakwa
• Oil and Gas
December 7, 2012
Alberta Utilities Commission approves Western Alberta Transmission Line
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) approved the Western Alberta Transmission Line (WATL), selecting major route…
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• Transmission Lines
December 1, 2012
Another Tar Sands Mine Ignore the Public Interest
Wild Lands Advocate Article  20(6): December 2012 by Carolyn Campbell   20121200_ar_wla_update_tarsands_jackpine_expansion_ccampbell.pdf
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• Oil Sands
• WLA Archive
November 30, 2012
ENGO News Release: Prairie Grasslands and Species at Risk Protected: Government Sets High Bar for Suffield National Wildlife Area
The seven-group Suffield Coalition today applauded the government’s decision to deny approval of Cenovus’ (previously…
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• Grasslands
• Middle Sand Hills
• Oil and Gas
November 24, 2012
AWA Wilderness & Wildlife Defenders: Wild prairie grasslands or gas wells and pipelines?
As we reflect on 2012 and AWA’s 2012 conservation priorities and progress, we will be…
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• Action Alerts
• Grasslands
• Middle Sand Hills
• Oil and Gas
November 5, 2012
Bill 8: Government Listens with Selective Hearing
The recent announcement that the Government of Alberta will introduce Bill 8 (Electric Utilities Amendment…
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• Transmission Lines