October 18, 2023
Opportunity to give input in AUC inquiry
Until November 22, the AUC are accepting comments for Module A of their inquiry into…
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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)
October 16, 2023
News Release: Suncor oil sands mine expansion will add 60 square kilometers of new tailings in its lifetime, the same size as Manhattan
October 16, 2023 Edmonton, AB/Calgary, AB – New analysis reveals that Suncor’s Fort Hills oil…
October 11, 2023
Reconsidering Growth
Read the pdf version here. By Phillip Meintzer Note from the author: In planning the…
September 28, 2023
News Release: Can We Trust the Alberta Energy Regulator?
A new report exposes the Regulator’s ‘dated’ and insufficient policies. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) has…
September 21, 2023
AWA’s letter to the Premier and Minister of Energy and Mineral regarding Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes
Alberta Wilderness Association wrote Premier Smith and Minister Jean on September 21, 2023 to express…
September 21, 2023
AWA’s Statement of Concern regarding Northback Holdings Corporation (formerly Benga Mining Ltd.)’s application to explore Grassy Mountain Coal Deposit
Australian company Benga Mining Ltd. of the proposed (and infamous) Grassy Mountain Coal Mine is…
September 5, 2023
AWA Letter to ECCC Regarding the Management of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water (Tailings)
Click the link below to view AWA’s letter submitted to Environment and Climate Change Canada…
August 28, 2023
AWA’s Statement of Concern on Summit Coal Inc.’s Mine 14
In the subalpine and montane ecosystems of Grande Mountain, Summit Coal Inc. hopes to develop…
August 8, 2023
News Release: Suncor Admits its McClelland Plan is Insufficient – Should lead Regulator to Revoke Approval
Suncor’s latest submission to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) admits that its submitted Operational Plan…
August 4, 2023
Alberta moratorium on renewables threatens the energy transition
There is a strong need for consistent regulation on renewable energy generation, though a 6-month…
July 31, 2023
Duncan’s First Nation: Protecting the Land and Their Way of Life
Wild Lands Advocate article by: Gillian Steward. Click here for a pdf version of the article. …
July 27, 2023
Suncor Reply Submission to the AER’s Reconsideration Process for the Approval of the MLWC Operational Plan
Regarding the Reconsideration Process for the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) approval of Suncor’s McClelland Lake…
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