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)

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…

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…

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…

May 8, 2023

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

AWA Reply Submission to the AER re: Request for Reconsideration of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan

Suncor’s Response to AWA’s Request for Reconsideration for the Approval of the MLWC Operational Plan

News Release: ENGOs Call on AER to Revoke Approval of Suncor’s Flawed Operational Plan for the McClelland Lake Wetland Complex

AWA Submission to the AER re: Request for Reconsideration of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan

AWA supports denial of Foothills Solar Project by AUC

AER Letter to AWA re: Request for Reconsideration of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan

News Release: The AER Should Not Have Approved Suncor’s High-Risk Operational Plan for McClelland Wetlands

AWA Report: A Review of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan for the Fort Hills Oil Sands Project

AER Letter in Response to AWA’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Report

An Update on the Foothills Solar Hearing

AWA Concerns with the McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan

Provincial Election 2023: Environmental Platforms We’d Like to See