The Integrated Decision Approach (IDA) looks to change the way energy companies engage with Albertans and Indigenous peoples on development projects
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has been developing a new approach to development applications: an Integrated Decision Approach (IDA). Rather than requiring companies to submit a separate application for every project activity, the IDA approach allows one application for all activities over the life of the project. Under this new approach, the AER plans to review all aspects of the proposed development (e.g. from construction to reclamation) at the same time and make one decision about the entire project. At this time, it is not clear how municipalities will be involved in the new IDA review and approval process, but the AER has been working with a Participant Involvement Advisory Panel, which includes at least two representatives from rural areas in Alberta. This Advisory Panel reviewed feedback from the public engagement sessions starting in early 2017 and advised on how the AER should update public involvement requirements for the IDA process. The draft of these requirements is planned to be released in Winter 2018 for public comment, and RMA will follow-up through the Contact newsletter when this happens.
For more information regarding the Participant Involvement Initiative, click here. At the bottom of the page, there is more information on the IDA process and summaries from the previous public engagement events.
For enquiries, please contact:
Chelsea Parent
Policy Analyst
chelsea@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com