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

• •
• •
• •

• Introduction
• Archive
• Other Areas
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, 2011
Consultation on Wind-power Generation
Letter from AWA to Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), concerning Bulletin 2011-25, Consultation on Wind-power Generation…
Read more »
• 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…
Read more »
• 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
Read more »
• 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…
Read more »
• 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…
Read more »
• Pipelines
November 1, 2011
Ottawa May Monitor Oil Sands’ Effects on Wildlife – Limiting Them Would Be Better
Wild Lands Advocate Article 19(5): October 2011 by Carolyn Campbell 20111000_ar_awa_oilsands_monitoring_ccampbell.pdf
Read more »
• Oil Sands
• WLA Archive
November 1, 2011
AWA Position Statement: Pipelines
Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) believes pipelines pose significant risks to human and environmental health. Pipelines…
Read more »
• Pipelines
October 28, 2011
AWA Fights New Transmission Lines in the Livingstone
Wild Lands Advocate update, October 2011, by Nigel Douglas 20111000_ar_awa_update_livingstone_transmission_ndouglas.pdf
Read more »
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines
• WLA Archive
September 19, 2011
Wildlife Guidelines for Alberta Wind Energy Projects
The Alberta Government’s Fish and Wildlife Division’s Wildlife Guidelines for Alberta Wind Energy Projects 20110919_doc_srd_wildlife_guidelines_ab_wind_projects.pdf
Read more »
• Wind Power
August 29, 2011
Updated Northeast Alberta Plan Confirms Weak Conservation Measures Favouring Oilsands Development
20110829_nr_awa_updated_draft_lower_athabasca_plan.pdf
Read more »
• Oil Sands
August 29, 2011
AWA News Release: Updated Northeast Alberta Plan Confirms Weak Conservation Measures Favouring Oilsands Development
The Alberta government’s updated Draft Lower Athabasca Regional Plan confirms irresponsible tar sands development by…
Read more »
• Caribou
• Oil Sands
August 26, 2011
AWA disputes electricity operators’ claim that a 30 km transmission route shift is mere project evolution
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) preliminary hearing for Alberta Energy Systems Operator (AESO) and AltaLink’s…
Read more »
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines