AER Now Responsible For The Environmental Assessment Process For Energy Resource Activities

As set out in AER Bulletin 2014-30, effective October 1, 2014 the Alberta Energy Regulator assumed responsibility for the environmental assessment process under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act for upstream oil, natural gas, oil sands, and coal projects in Alberta.

Introduction

The Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA) was proclaimed in force on June 17, 2013. Under it, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) was to become Alberta's single regulator of energy developments. The AER's  implementation occurred in a series of phases, with the AER gradually assuming responsibility for the energy development regulatory functions formerly administered by the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) and Alberta Energy. The third phase, which occurred on March 29, 2014, involved the AER assuming certain regulatory functions and responsibilities from ESRD under the Environmental Protection and