RMA provided input to the Government of Alberta on the design of reclamation securities for renewable energy projects
Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) is seeking input on the design of reclamation securities to be used with renewable energy developments. The RMA provided written comments to EPA that draw on existing positions to respond to the specific questions posed in the consultation. In general, the RMA’s comments focus on:
- Reclamation securities must be calculated using an approved methodology to fully fund the reclamation of renewable energy projects.
- Reclamation securities should be required to be held by the Government of Alberta, with the option for landowners to negotiate an additional security with the project developer if they wish.
- A dual-stream reclamation security system, in which landowners can choose to negotiate security privately or participate in the provincially-administered regime, will undermine the intent of the provincial model. Reclamation securities should not be negotiable; they should be determined and held by the province due to the public interest value that properly-funded reclamation provides.
- Scrap value should not be a consideration in determining the amount of security required.
The RMA previously provided a guide to support members in participating in the consultation, which ends on October 25, 2024.
The RMA will continue to participate in consultations regarding renewable energy projects and share these opportunities with members.
Warren Noga
Policy Advisor
825.319.2285
warren@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com