Regulations Designating Physical Activities (RDPA:
An update on amendments to federal environmental assessment laws

Following public consultation on proposed amendments earlier this year, the federal government recently passed amendments to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (RDPA).

The RDPA are promulgated under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and are central to the act’s operation. Only projects that appear on the RDPA may be subject to federal environmental assessment (with the exception of individual projects designated by the Minister on a wholly discretionary basis). Even if a project appears on the RDPA, it may not actually be subject to a federal environmental assessment (unless it is a project regulated by the National Energy Board or the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission) because the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency may determine that a federal environmental assessment is not required.

Read “An update on amendments to federal environmental assessment laws” on the ELC blog.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:

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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