Further to our update on
January 28, 2011, Alberta Energy Minister Ron Liepert continues
to develop plans for a single energy regulator in the Province. A
discussion paper recently tabled in the Alberta Legislature
outlines the Energy Department's proposal to create an
"energy superboard" that would oversee the development of
all oil, natural gas, oil sands and coal within Alberta, and take
on all of the regulatory functions for air, water, land, mine and
facility authorizations. These responsibilities are currently
distributed amongst several government entities, including the
Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), Sustainable Resource
Development and Alberta Environment.
Coal is currently regulated by the ERCB, however, the paper
indicates that because coal extraction methods are similar to those
used for oil, gas and oil sands, it fits efficiently within the
scope of the single regulator. The paper also states that mineral
regulation would be governed by the
