An Order in Council has been signed that will enhance the role of local government in the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) hearings on energy projects.
The Ministry of Energy has released an Order in Council that will take affect on January 1, 2019 to provide local governments the opportunity for more engagement with the regulatory process for proposed energy projects.
The Order in Council states that if an Indian Reserve, Metis Settlement, or municipal authority contains a proposed energy project within its boundaries and files a statement of concern, and the AER decides to conduct a hearing, the Indian reserve, Metis settlement, or municipal authority is entitled to participate in the hearing. Previously, this was not the case and municipalities and other local communities were not guaranteed the ability to participate in AER hearings.
These changes reflect input the Government of Alberta has heard from communities over a number of past engagements and initiatives.
To read the Order in Council, click here.
For enquiries, please contact:
Matt Dow
Policy Analyst
matt@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com