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)
June 21, 2023
AWA Letter to AER Re: Suncor Requesting the AER Disregard AWA Reply Submissions
Regarding the Reconsideration Process for the AER’s approval of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
June 19, 2023
AER Letter to AWA Re: Suncor Letter Requesting the AER Disregard AWA Reply Submissions
Regarding the Reconsideration Process for the AER’s approval of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
June 16, 2023
Suncor Letter to AER re: AWA Reply Submissions for the Reconsideration of MLWC Operational Plan Approval
On June 16, 2023, AWA received copy of a letter sent by Suncor Energy to…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
June 12, 2023
News Release: New Evidence Shows Major Gaps in Suncor’s Plan to Mine the Internationally Significant McClelland Wetlands, Should Lead Regulator to Revoke its Approval
Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) has submitted new evidence to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) highlighting…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Uncategorized
• Wetlands
June 9, 2023
AWA Reply Submission to the AER re: Request for Reconsideration of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan
Click the link below to view the PDF version of AWA’s reply submission to the…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
May 31, 2023
Suncor’s Response to AWA’s Request for Reconsideration for the Approval of the MLWC Operational Plan
On May 31, 2023, AWA received Suncor Energy’s reply submission to the Alberta Energy Regulator…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
May 8, 2023
News Release: ENGOs Call on AER to Revoke Approval of Suncor’s Flawed Operational Plan for the McClelland Lake Wetland Complex
Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) along with six other concerned environmental organizations from across Canada are…
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• McClelland Lake
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
May 8, 2023
AWA Submission to the AER re: Request for Reconsideration of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan
Click the link below to view the PDF version of AWA’s submission to the Alberta…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
April 21, 2023
AWA supports denial of Foothills Solar Project by AUC
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has denied Elemental Energy’s proposed Foothills Solar Project, a 1600-acre…
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• Energy
• News Release
• Uncategorized
• Wetlands
April 18, 2023
AER Letter to AWA re: Request for Reconsideration of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan
On April 18, 2023, AWA received a letter from the AER regarding our request for…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
April 17, 2023
News Release: The AER Should Not Have Approved Suncor’s High-Risk Operational Plan for McClelland Wetlands
AWA News Release, released on April 17, 2023. 20230417_nr_awa_aer_approval_suncor_high_risk_op_mlwc
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• McClelland Lake
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
April 14, 2023
AWA Report: A Review of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan for the Fort Hills Oil Sands Project
Executive Summary:  The Fort Hills Oil Sands Project is an existing Suncor-owned oil sands mine…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands