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Premier responds to U.S. retailers’ concerns over oil sands
News Articles | Government of Alberta | NEWS RELEASE | August 27, 2010
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Edmonton… Premier Ed Stelmach expressed his concern today over statements regarding Alberta’s oil sands by some U.S. retailers.
“Unfortunately, these retailers have chosen a course of action without first talking to us about our environmental commitment and the efforts of thousands of Albertans working for government, industry and academic institutions to reduce the impact of oil sands development,” said Premier Stelmach.
“I am proud of our work to address challenges head on. For example, Alberta is the only jurisdiction in North America with mandatory greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for all large emitters. In fact since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions per barrel in the oil sands have been reduced by 39 per cent. We have committed $2 billion to carbon capture and storage. We have provided $32 million for clean energy research at the University of Alberta, $25 million to the University of Calgary for carbon management and clean energy research.
“Furthermore, The Athabasca River has one of the most protective water management frameworks that exist on any river in the northern hemisphere. Industry is also required by law to reclaim all disturbed lands to a productive state. Despite increased development, air quality in Fort McMurray region is generally improving and remains good 95 per cent of the time. These are just a few of the many requirements, actions and guiding principles in place to maintain the level of environmental protection Albertans expect.
“It is critical that we continue to tell our story about our successes to date. I will personally send a letter to the CEOs of each company. As a government, we intend to show what others will not – that we are responsible energy developers. We are also ready and willing to discuss their concerns.
“The Alberta government has made a concerted effort in recent months to tell our story meeting with business leaders and elected officials including my trip to Washington in May as well as Minister Iris Evans’ mission to London and Brussels in April. Going forward our ministers will continue to deliver our message on how we’re responsibly developing the oil sands.
“We have also asked Albertans to ‘tell it like it is’ in their conversations about Alberta and our energy development. Our industry is tackling challenges head-on in their day-to-day operations and ensuring Canada and the world know about their accomplishments.
“We aren’t just thinking of ourselves when developing our resources. We are committed to reducing environmental risks and to leaving the world in better shape for future generations.”Tagged with: alberta, ed stelmach, united states, retailers
