News &amp; Announcements

Alberta Medical Association

Asthma Society of Canada

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Health Sciences Association of Alberta

The Lung Association, Alberta & NWT

Greengate Power Corporation

CALGARY — World leaders will converge on Paris next month for climate change talks. Alberta is developing a strategy to demonstrate its intention to contribute to the global imperative of tackling climate change. Phasing out coal for producing electricity promises to be a hallmark of this strategy.

The time has come to bring greater attention to the public health benefits that would be realized by accelerating the phase out of coal-fired electricity. Read More

Renewables & Alternatives

Air Quality

Coal

Electricity Generation & Transmission

Health

Nov

06

2015

Pembina reacts to Keystone XL rejection

EDMONTON — Simon Dyer, Alberta director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to U.S. President Barack Obama's rejection of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline:

“Today's decision by President Obama reiterates that climate change is a key consideration for all energy infrastructure projects going forward. In his statement, the president noted that his decision is motivated in part by a desire to 'lead by example' on the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change.
Read More

North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance

Conventional Oil & Gas

Oil Sands

Pipelines

Oct

29

2015

Vermilion River Watershed Restoration & Enhancement Project Launch Event

Vermilion River Watershed Alliance

The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and the Vermillion River Watershed Alliance are holding a series of events in November to launch the Vermilion River Watershed Restoration & Enhancement Project. From the NSWA website:

Got water?
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Source: NSWA

Fresh Water

Water & Watershed Management

Watershed Restoration

Riparian Areas

North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance

News & Announcements

Oct

28

2015

Conservation groups in court to defend Jasper National Park from further commercial development

Approval of concept plan to add overnight commercial accommodation at Maligne Lake threatens park protection, groups say

Jasper Environmental Association

Ecojustice

EDMONTON — Conservation groups are in court today to challenge Parks Canada’s approval of a concept plan to build overnight commercial accommodations at Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, alleging that it would undermine the law and set a dangerous precedent for protection of Canada’s national parks. Read More

Source: Ecojustice

Jasper Environmental Association

Ecojustice

Wilderness & Parks

Outdoor Recreation

Sep

30

2015

Poll: Most Albertans want stronger climate change policies

Survey shows public support for climate action and a stronger price on carbon

EDMONTON — New public opinion research shows that 53 per cent of Albertans want the province to adopt stronger policies to cut carbon emissions. This result comes from a survey of more than 1,800 Albertans conducted by EKOS Research Associates and commissioned by the Pembina Institute. Read More

Source: Fight For Your Parks

Climate Change

Sep

21

2015

Broad-based group of Canadians demands a stop to commercialization of Canada's national parks

Fight For Your Parks

BANFF, AB —Today a diverse group of Canadians with a deep concern for the well-being of our national parks gathered in Banff to call for an end to inappropriate commercialization of Canada’s national parks.

Recent commercial projects in Banff and Jasper National Parks have privatized public spaces and threatened the very framework that controls development in our parks. Read More

Jasper Environmental Association

Wilderness & Parks

Sep

09

2015

New Alberta air quality report shows need for province-wide pollution reduction

Report points to serious air quality problems that require new management plans from government

EDMONTON — Chris Severson-Baker, Alberta regional director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today's air quality reporting announcement by the Alberta government:

“This new report adds to the mounting evidence that Alberta needs to reduce air pollution across the province. Measures that will produce more rapid results are also needed in the numerous regional hot spots identified by the report.

“Near-term action is crucial to keep our air from getting worse. Alberta has been too slow to take action on existing pollution sources, and new ones have been added without regard for the cumulative impacts.
Read More

Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition

Atmosphere

Air Quality

Sep

04

2015

New Protected Area to Protect Water, Create Jobs

CPAWS Southern Alberta Chapter

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Blairmore, Alberta. Albertans today are celebrating the long-awaited creation of two new protected areas in Alberta. After more than 40 years of pressure from local business, advocates and community members, the remainder of the Castle Special Place has been protected as a Provincial Park and Wildland Provincial Park, completing the protection of ~1000 km² region. Read More

Source: CPAWS Southern Alberta Chapter

Wilderness & Parks

Aug

14

2015

Climate change panel and consultation plan signal a shift in Alberta

Panel's expertise and broad consultation will help inform Alberta's efforts to take meaningful climate action

CALGARY — Ed Whittingham, executive director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today’s announcement detailing members of the province’s climate change advisory panel and its consultation approach:

“The provincial government and panel chair, Andrew Leach, have put together a well-balanced line up of experts who bring a mix of perspectives and experience to guide its climate change consultation process.

“A broad and transparent consultation process will provide valuable input as the province seeks to develop a credible climate strategy that reflects the priorities and concerns of Albertans.

“Addressing climate change with timely, science-based and effective action is a critical foundation for Alberta’s future health and prosperity. The Pembina Institute welcomes the broad scope of the consultation plan and the clear framing of the challenge outlined by the Minister. There are many solutions available to help Alberta cut carbon pollution and adopt cleaner energy options. We look forward to working with the panel and participating in the consultation sessions.”
Read More

Climate Change

Renewables & Alternatives

Environmental Law & Policy

Conventional Oil & Gas

Coal

Electricity Generation & Transmission

Oil Sands

Aug

05

2015

End in Sight for Energy Leasing in Alberta Caribou Ranges?

Source: Alberta Wilderness Association (includes additional background and maps)

Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) has found that no new energy rights within Alberta caribou ranges are scheduled for future sales. Two in-range licences covering 24 km², which had been posted for the August 19 rights auction, have since been withdrawn by Alberta Energy. AWA recognizes the importance of these lease sale withdrawals and urges the Alberta government to defer all new energy leasing within caribou ranges, until strong habitat-recovery range plans are in place to ensure survival of Alberta’s endangered caribou. Read More