Public Access to Environmental Appeals: A Review and Assessment of Alberta’s Environmental Appeals Board

4/1/2006

Alberta’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) is a quasi-judicial tribunal that reviews decisions made by regulators under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and Water Act.  Alberta’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) is a quasi-judicial tribunal that reviews decisions made by regulators under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and Water Act.  A purpose of both of these Acts is to provide a voice for members of the public about activities that may have an adverse effect on the environment, in part through appeals to the EAB.  This report reviews relevant legislation and policy, EAB and court decisions, and interviews with appellants and counsel to assess how accessible the environmental appeals process is to the public.  Key issues that are discussed include standing, practice and procedure, and costs.  The report highlights concerns regarding public access to the EAB process and makes a number of recommendations for improvement. View