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)

July 10, 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…

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…

June 3, 2023

Adventures for Wilderness, Ice, Glaciers, Gravel and Oil: Cochrane North Field Trip – June 3, 2023

Text and photos: Grace Sutherland This full-day field trip was a chance to explore the…

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

AWA letter of concern on Moraine Power Generation Project and carbon capture

AER Letter to Parties re: AER Reconsideration Process and Extension for Suncor to Reply to AWA New Information

News Release: AER Must Begin the Next Phase of its Reconsideration of Suncor’s High-Risk Plan

Corporate Welfare in the Oilpatch

Don’t Mine McClelland

Spotlight on the Oilsands: A Summary of the Kearl Spill Hearings

AWA Letter to AER Re: Suncor Requesting the AER Disregard AWA Reply Submissions

AER Letter to AWA Re: Suncor Letter Requesting the AER Disregard AWA Reply Submissions

Suncor Letter to AER re: AWA Reply Submissions for the Reconsideration of MLWC Operational Plan Approval

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

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

Adventures for Wilderness, Ice, Glaciers, Gravel and Oil: Cochrane North Field Trip – June 3, 2023