COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
The Alberta Energy Regulator was reviewed to help ensure the province’s resources are being developed efficiently and in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is responsible for regulating the life cycle of oil, oil sands, natural gas and coal projects in a manner that protects public safety and the environment.
As a key economic driver, Alberta’s energy sector requires a well-designed, single regulator to regulate the responsible development of our energy resources.
The Government of Alberta conducted a review of the AER to identify enhancements to its mandate, governance and system operations to ensure Alberta remains a predictable place to invest and a world leader in responsible resource development.
Ministry of Energy and Environment and Parks
The review of the AER solicited input from stakeholders and communities in the fall of 2019. More than 300 representatives responded, including those from:
Feedback and suggestions covered various aspects of the AER’s effectiveness. Notable feedback includes:
As a result of the review, the following steps have been taken to improve the AER’s mandate, governance and systems operation.
Ongoing work is addressing long-standing liability and environmental concerns and focus on implementing a new suite of policies to ensure industry can cover the cost of cleaning up oil and gas wells and sites in a manageable way.
In addition, the AER has been directed to establish a red tape reduction task force to identify unnecessary regulatory steps or duplication in processes.
Last updated: June 24, 2020