The RMA and Brownlee LLP will be reviewing the recent policy changes related to the development of renewable energy in Alberta
On February 29, 2024, the Minister of Affordability and Utilities announced several policy changes related to the development of renewable energy projects based on the recent Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) inquiry into the sustainable development of renewable energy. The RMA will be hosting a webinar discussing the changes and exploring what they mean for rural municipalities in collaboration with Brownlee LLP.
The policy changes include:
- Taking an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating the best use of agricultural lands for development.
- No development on Class 1 and 2 lands unless the proponent can demonstrate the ability for agrivoltaics.
- Developers will be responsible for reclamation cost through either bond or security. The reclamation costs will be provided either to the province or may be negotiated by landowners.
- Buffer zones of a minimum of 35 kilometres will be established around protected areas and other pristine “viewscapes” as designated by the province.
- Municipalities are automatically granted the right to participate in AUC hearings and are eligible for cost recovery.
- Municipalities will be able to review rules related to municipal submissions.
The RMA will be hosting a webinar with Brownlee LLP on April 19 at 1:30 pm to discuss these changes and the impacts they will have on municipalities. This webinar is open to all RMA member municipalities. To attend, please register prior to the webinar.
Karrina Jung
Policy Advisor
780.955.4085
karrina@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com