InDusTRY spOTlIGHT
THE
PROS AND CONS
OF ALBERTA'S
BILL 2
By Vawn Himmelsbach
can one energy
reguLator streamLine
activity in the oiL patch?
New energy legislation in Alberta is
designed to streamline the process for approving oil and
gas projects — a process that is notoriously complex and
timely — by creating a single regulator. But not everyone
is happy about the upcoming changes.
Bill 2, or The Responsible Energy Development Act,
received Royal ascent in December but is not expected
to come into effect until June (at the earliest). Between
now and then, the industry is in wait-and-see mode.
Essentially, the Alberta Energy Regulator will assume the
roles of the Energy Resources Conservation Board and
Alberta Environmental and Sustainable Development.
While many industry stakeholders want to see a more
efficient, streamlined process for project approvals, the
new legislation has also drawn opposition — particularly
from property rights activists and environmental groups.
The Wildrose Party of Alberta, the province's official
opposition, says the bill doesn't protect the interests of
landowners and ensure environmental stewardship.
w w w. c a n a d i a n law y er m a g . c o m / i n h o u s e
april 2013
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