New oil and gas pilot projects will be launched in 2024 by the AER
The Government of Alberta will be launching two programs in collaboration with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to help improve current reclamation certificate programs while maintaining environmental standards. These pilots will test ways to certify portions of reclaimed sites and help reclaim peatlands.
The Well Site Reduction Pilot will enable the AER to certify portions of a well site that meet government reclamation standards rather than waiting for the entire site to be reclaimed. This will be limited to 100 applications and will require landowner consent to participate. This program will be launched by the AER in February 2024 and will end in August 2024.
The second pilot program will be focused on reclaiming peatland. This program will provide a new support tool for well site operators to use when preparing a request to change from peatlands to forestlands. This framework will improve site specific considerations and logistics related to well or access roads in peatlands. This program will not be included in any caribou ranges. The program will be launched by the AER in February 2024 and completed by July 2025.
Both programs will be reviewed upon completion and the Government of Alberta will assess the results and determine next steps.
Karrina Jung
Policy Advisor
780.955.4085
karrina@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com