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)
March 24, 2022
Alberta Peatlands: A Valued Resource Under Stress
For those of you who were unable to attend last week’s presentation, we have posted…
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• Events
• Oil Sands
• Talk
• Wetlands
March 7, 2022
Coal Exploration and Mining on the Eastern Slopes – Is there an end in sight?
The Government of Alberta announced March 4th that it will halt exploration and development for…
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• Coal
• News Release
February 28, 2022
Letter to ECCC Regarding Proposed Coal Mining Effluent Regulations
Click the link below to view AWA’s letter submitted to the Environment and Climate Change…
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• Coal
• Headwaters
• Rivers
February 9, 2022
Suncor’s Fort Hills Oil Sands Project – Integrated Plan Amendment Application
The Fort Hills Oil Sands Project – Integrated Plan Amendment (IPA) Application was submitted to…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
January 28, 2022
DENIED: All Requests for Permission to Appeal the Rejection of the Grassy Mountain Coal Project
Earlier today  Justice Bernette Ho of the Alberta Court of Appeal denied the requests from Benga…
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• Coal
January 5, 2022
Letter to AER regarding the Fort Hills Oil Sands Project at the McClelland Lake Wetland Complex
Please click the link below to view AWA’s letter submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator…
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• Boreal Forest
• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
December 29, 2021
Coal Policy Committee Engagement Report Must Be Released Immediately
Today the Coal Policy Committee submitted its two reports on the future of coal mining…
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• Coal
• News Release
December 29, 2021
Are Coal Companies and Lobbyists Subject to Alberta’s Election Laws?
Are Alberta coal companies and lobbyists subject to Alberta’s political/election advertising legislation? It’s been a…
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• Coal
• News Release
December 15, 2021
Fort Hills Oil Sands Project – McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational Plan 2021
The McClelland Lake Wetland Complex (MLWC) Operational Plan (OP), was submitted to the Alberta Energy…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
November 30, 2021
No money, no answers
Wild Lands Advocate article by: Phillip Meintzer, AWA Conservation Specialist Click here for a pdf…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
• WLA Archive
November 19, 2021
Coal: Desperate Times Call for… Character Assassination and Dirty Politics?
On November 18th, the debate over whether coal mining in Alberta should have a future…
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• Coal
• News Release
September 16, 2021
No Coal in Alberta: an End-of-Summer Round Up and Look Ahead. Virtual Town Hall – September 16, 2021
On September 16, 2021, AWA, in collaboration with the Coal Policy Working Group, hosted the…
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• Coal
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Public Lands
• Talk