EDMONTON — The National Energy Board’s approval of the Mackenzie Gas Project (MGP) flies in the face of the Board’s stated commitment to sustainability and overturns years of study by a review panel, Sierra Club Prairie said today. Read More
Melissa Gorrie posts on the Ecojustice Canada blog about the Carbon Capture and Storage Statutes Amendment Act and why Albertans…
"…should be concerned about the risks the government is taking with their health and the ecosystem and must call on government to amend this legislation before it is implemented."
Over at the Pembina Institute blog, Jennifer Grant posts about the ERCB's apparent "flip-flop" on the rules for oilsands tailings production; David Dodge introduces us to Pembina's new Executive Director; and Clare Demerse reports on the just-concluded UN climate talks in Cancun. Read More
ERCB says it can exempt oilsands operators from meeting its regulations
CALGARY — The Energy Resources Conservation Board has declared it has the power to exempt oilsands operators from meeting its regulatory standards, a move environmental groups say is indicative of the board’s toothless tailings pond management.
The ERCB’s declaration came in response to a review application submitted in August by Ecojustice, on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Water Matters. Read More
Government refusal to implement panel recommendations undermines sustainability
EDMONTON— The National Energy Board should reject the Mackenzie Gas Project given the refusal of governments to implement independent panel recommendations for sustainability, Sierra Club Prairie said.
Read MoreSurvey of area, home to several species-at-risk, must be conducted
EDMONTON — The Alberta government’s proposed sale of 25 public land plots to SLM Spud Farms is ill-informed and could devastate local species-at-risk, Ecojustice said today.
“At minimum, Alberta must conduct an in-depth survey of the land to determine what exactly it is signing away before the sale is approved,” said Melissa Gorrie, Ecojustice staff lawyer. “As it stands now, the province does not have the necessary information to make an informed, responsible decision.” Read More
World-renowned climate expert Dr. James Hansen to address panel
EDMONTON, AB — Environmental groups are challenging a new oilsands project application that threatens wildlife habitat, is rife with errors and could leave Canadians facing roughly $3 billion in liability.
The Oil Sands Environmental Coalition, represented by Ecojustice, opposes the approval of Total E&P Canada's Joslyn North Mine and is arguing for a full assessment of the project's cumulative impacts on wildlife, fish and northern forests, as required by law. Read More
EDMONTON — Environmental groups took steps today to ramp up pressure on the federal government to protect the province’s precious and declining caribou herds.
Ecojustice, on behalf of the Alberta Wilderness Association and the Pembina Institute, filed an application this morning for a federal judicial review, which asks the court to order Environment Minister Jim Prentice to recommend emergency protections for seven caribou herds in northeastern Alberta. Read More
Project not in public interest due to mounting environmental effects, flawed environmental assessment and missed government deadlines for environmental protection
ERCB acted contrary to the law in approving tailings plans, groups say
CALGARY – The Energy Resources Conservation Board’s approval of Syncrude’s tailings management plan is unlawful and must be revoked immediately, Ecojustice said today.
Ecojustice, acting on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Water Matters, has filed an application (see attached) with the ERCB requesting approval be withdrawn until management plans are brought in line with ERCB’s tailings management directive. Read More
Ecojustice files application for emergency protection, is prepared to go to court for caribou
CALGARY — Three environmental groups have joined with four Alberta First Nations to urge the federal environment minister to provide emergency protection for caribou herds in northeastern Alberta, Ecojustice said today. Read More
