The Provincial government is banking on a new advisory group to help it navigate the oilsands aspects of its Climate Leadership Plan.
Members of industry, environmental organizations, and indigenous and non-indigenous communities will report to the government on three important areas under the Oil Sands Advisory Group:
- Implementing the legislated annual greenhouse gas emissions limit of 100 mega tonnes for oilsands production
- Best investments in innovation to reduce emissions intensity in oilsands production
- Developing effective structures and processes to address local and regional environmental issues
OSAG will consist of three co-chairs and 15 plenary members who will serve for two-year terms. The province expects the group to convene over the coming weeks and deliver advice on the issue of implementing the emissions limit within six months.
“The advisory group will help our government address central issues in this key Alberta job creator and economic driver: how to establish and sustain Alberta’s climate leadership among energy-producing jurisdictions; how to better steward our air, land and water; and how to take advantage of current and future market opportunities while meeting the needs of indigenous and non-indigenous communities,” said Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks; Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office.
The group will be led in-part by former president of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Shell Canada Dave Collyer.
“Alberta’s oil sands operators look forward to participating in this group to give the government the best possible advice to address key oilsands issues and opportunities,” said Collyer in a press release. “It is the diversity of this group and its problem-solving focus on emissions leadership, local environmental performance and innovation that will help de-escalate conflict and contribute to the ongoing success of this important industry.”
Tzeporah Berman an Adjunct Professor of York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies and Melody Lepine, Director of Government and Industry Relations with the Mikisew Cree First Nation are the other co-chairs.
You can view a full list of all panel members online.
