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)

February 22, 2024

News Release: Alberta Energy Regulator fails Albertans by Ignoring Evidence; Won’t Reconsider its Approval of Suncor’s Flawed Operational Plan for McClelland Wetlands

Suncor has permission to expand mining at their Fort Hills oil sands mine into the…

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

Northback Holdings response to AER’s review process

AWA comments on Marguerite Lake Compressed Air Energy Storage Project

The ideal Transition to Renewable Energy Supply Must be Fair and Just

Then They Wrote it All Down as the Progress of Man

News Release: Four Big Oil Companies Used 200 Billion Litres of Alberta’s Freshwater Last Year

AER Reform or Revolution?

Building a Relationship with the People of McClelland

Canada and Alberta at the Controversial COP28

CST Canada Coal Limited response to AWA statement of concern

Northback Holdings Corp. response to AWA statement of concern

Summit Coal Inc. response to AWA statement of concern

News Release: Alberta Energy Regulator fails Albertans by Ignoring Evidence; Won’t Reconsider its Approval of Suncor’s Flawed Operational Plan for McClelland Wetlands