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 1, 2012
Oil Sands Mining and Reclamation Cause Massive Loss of Peatland and Stored Carbon
20120300_ar_oilsands_wetland_destruction_carbonloss_rooney_bayley_schindler.pdf
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• Oil Sands
February 22, 2012
Alberta Government Kills 145 Bears at Oilsands Camps. No Charges Laid
20120222_nr_awa_bear_killing_in_oilsands.pdf
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• Oil Sands
February 3, 2012
Beyond Monitoring – Responsible Management Needed for Oilsands Wildlife and Wetlands Impacts
20120203_nr_awa_oilsands_monitoring_plan.pdf
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• Oil Sands
February 3, 2012
AWA News Release: Beyond Monitoring – Responsible Management Needed for Oilsands Wildlife and Wetlands Impacts
Today, forty five years after the first tar sands mines started, the federal government has…
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• Caribou
• Oil Sands
January 1, 2012
Canada’s woodland caribou: industrial disturbances in their ranges and implications for their survival
Report by Global Forest Watch Canada. Finds that for the eight boreal woodland caribou populations…
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• Caribou
• Oil Sands
December 2, 2011
AWA News Release: Livingstone Landscape Wins Reprieve from Transmission Lines
In a highly significant decision, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) yesterday refused permission to Altalink…
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• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines
December 2, 2011
Letter: Gov’t of Canada to AWA about Maxim Power Plant
Peter Kent, the Minister of Environment, responds to concerns brought forth by AWA regarding the…
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• Coal
• Energy
• Wildlands
December 1, 2011
Consultation on Wind-power Generation
Letter from AWA to Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), concerning Bulletin 2011-25, Consultation on Wind-power Generation…
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• Wind Power
December 1, 2011
AUC Decision 2011-468
Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) Decision 2011-468, denying permission to Altalink and AESO to build a…
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• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines
November 10, 2011
AUC Consultation on Wind-power Generation Regulatory Permitting
Bulletin 2011-25 from the Alberta Utilities Commission: Consultation on wind-power generation regulatory permitting 20111110_lt_auc_wind_power_consultation_bulletin_2011-25.pdf
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• Wind Power
November 10, 2011
Letter: Protect Caw Ridge from Coal Development
This letter from the AWA to the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Sustainable…
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• Coal
• Energy
• Kakwa
• Wildlife
November 1, 2011
AWA Position Statement: Pipelines
AWA believes pipelines pose significant risks to human and environmental health. Pipelines must be built…
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• Pipelines