Rebecca Schulz (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Rebecca Schulz: "A practical path forward"

Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas comments on meeting with federal government

Jul 21, 2023 | 11:26 AM

Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz has issued a statement on her bilateral meeting with Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada Steven Guilbeault.

The meeting took place this Wednesday.

“During today’s meeting, we discussed the federal government’s pending clean electricity regulations, their plans to implement a de facto production cap on oil and gas producers, emission reductions, plastics, oil sands mine water management, and other topics that are important to Albertans and all Canadians. We also discussed the previously announced joint working group to discuss emissions reduction innovation and technology, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage.

“I informed Minister Guilbeault that our government remains resolutely opposed to any federal cap on oil and gas emissions or electricity regulations that are not expressly consented to by Alberta and that do not align with Alberta’s emissions reduction and energy development plan.

“With respect to Ottawa’s planned electricity regulations and oil and gas emissions cap, I requested the federal government share all available data, analysis, cost estimates and risk assessments related to Alberta’s and Canada’s economy, as well as to the wellbeing and sustainability of municipalities and First Nation communities, jobs and socioeconomic impacts. Although the federal government has not yet shared these details, Minister Guilbeault committed to sharing this information through the bilateral working group.

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“Alberta is aspiring to achieve a carbon neutral power grid and oil and gas sector by 2050. However, we need to agree on how we get there. Canada and Alberta have an opportunity right now to lead in emissions reduction and still ensure a competitive, sustainable energy development to meet global energy demands. We can do this in a way that does not jeopardize jobs, energy security and affordability.

“Canadian families cannot afford costly policies and targets. We need common sense, practical solutions and innovative approaches that cut emissions and create jobs – not ideology. Affordability and reliability must be our primary goals as we work to reduce emissions.”