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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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)
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
October 31, 2012
Sixteen Years after Being “Protected” Rumsey Natural Area Sees a Halt to New Oil and Gas Access
Wild Lands Advocate article, October 2012, by Nigel Douglas. Alberta Energy has now prohibited all…
October 31, 2012
McClelland Wetlands: Mining Our Outstanding Peat Wetlands Should Be Passe
Wildlands Advocate Article, October 2012, by Carolyn Campbell. “Suncor, Total May Not Proceed with New…
October 29, 2012
AWA Comments to AUC on Wind Energy Regulation
After reviewing a summary of stakeholder discussions following a stakeholder engagement process by the Alberta…
October 29, 2012
Coalition calls on panel to reject Shell Jackpine oilsands mine expansion
20121029_nr_awa_pembina_ecojustice_oilsands_call_on_panel_to_reject_shell_jackpine_expansion.pdf
October 23, 2012
letter to AWA from Gov’t of Alberta re Eastern Slopes Coal Development
The Redford government writes to AWA to address concerns about coal development in the sensitive…
October 1, 2012
Coal Association of Canada-Briefing Note
The Coal Association of Canada is unhappy with Alberta’s Coal Policy claiming that it is…
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