Is federal environmental protection keeping pace with resource development?

The answer seems to be NO.

The most recent Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (the “Report”) was tabled last week. The Report examines three federal programs which are meant to ensure that natural resource development happens in a responsible and sustainable manner. These programs are:

• protecting oceans by establishing marine protected areas;
• managing environmental risks associated with offshore oil and gas development; and
• setting financial guarantees and liability limits for mining, shipping and offshore platforms, and nuclear power.

The Report also includes a study of federal support to the fossil fuel sector. As usual, the Report also includes a review of environmental petitions over the audit period.

The Commissioner’s audit of these three federal programs reveals significant questions about the federal government’s capacity to keep pace with its enthusiastic promotion of resource development.

Read “Is federal environmental protection keeping pace with resource development?” on the ELC blog.

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The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.

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