Wildrose Energy Critic Jason Hale says the provincial government’s timing is off for public consultation processes designed to guide the work of the new Alberta Energy Regulator.
Hale, whose constituency includes Strathmore, said public input should have been collected sooner.
“We sure agree with doing public consultation regarding these bills… we would have liked to have seen more stakeholder input before the legislation was passed,” he said. “(The Progressive Conservative government) seems to do that quite often, pass a bill and then ask for consultation.”
Three-hour public consultation sessions are scheduled to take place in 18 communities across the province in February and March, including Calgary and Drumheller on Feb. 25 and Red Deer and Sundre on Feb. 26. An online survey will also be open until March 29 and can be found at www.energy.alberta.ca
“We know Albertans are passionate about responsible energy development and they now have an opportunity to provide input to how the new Alberta Energy Regulator will operate,” said Diana McQueen, Alberta’s minister of environment and sustainable resource development. “As we transition, Albertans can rest assured that our strict environmental standards will continue to be upheld.”
The Responsible Energy Development Act, which created a single regulator for oil, gas, oil sands and coal projects in Alberta, was passed in December.
The regulator, which according to a press release issued by the Province, was created to protect and improve participation rights for landowners, while ensuring industry has an effective and efficient regulatory process, will begin operations in June.
Questions include: how would you want to be notified about an energy project near your community; what factors should the Alberta Energy Regulator consider when it makes decisions; and what kinds of applications should go to a hearing?
“We committed to consulting with Albertans when we passed the Responsible Energy Development Act in the fall, and we’re following through on that promise,” said Energy Minister Ken Hughes. “Involvement from Albertans is essential - we need Albertans’ input to ensure this regulator is effective and efficient for landowners, for Albertans and for industry.”
Hale said he put forward 13 amendments to the Responsible Energy Act, a number of which addressed property rights concerns raised to him by residents, groups, professionals and academics before it was passed.
However, none of his amendments were added to the Act.
Hale said he has heard from industry stakeholders who have concerns about the legislation.
“With legislation this size, it shouldn’t be left up to hope,” he said. “(The energy sector) is a multi-billion-dollar industry in Alberta and to have that uncertainty, it doesn’t give the energy companies a lot of stability.
“Industry wants this to work and we want it to work. We have heard the process that these companies have to go through takes them a long time. The theory is great, we would have just liked to spend a bit more time and have a bit more consultation.”
For more information on the consultation sessions, including a list of times and locations, visit www.energy.alberta.ca
