Statement from Stephen Legault, Senior Manager, Alberta Energy Transition
Canmore | Traditional territories of the Treaty 7 Nations – Premier Smith’s announcement that the Province of Alberta will challenge the federal pollution cap on the oil and gas industry using Alberta’s Sovereignty Act recklessly ignores the importance of battling climate change and the huge economic opportunity presented by renewable energy.
The Premier and her government are so focused on picking fights with Ottawa that they are missing the fact that there are now more people employed in the development of renewable energy around the world than people working in oil and gas. According to the International Energy Association (IEA), in 2023 there was nearly twice as much investment in renewable energy as there was in fossil fuels globally. It’s time for Alberta to adjust to the new reality, remain competitive, and ensure that Alberta workers have jobs in the growth-oriented parts of the energy sector – which is the clean energy sector.
The federal government’s cap on pollution from the tar sands was introduced last month to manage the industry’s dangerous emissions. The oil and gas industry has to do its part. The emissions cap is also popular across the country including in Alberta, where a majority of Albertans (62 per cent Research Co.; 57 per cent Leger) want to see the oil and gas industry’s pollution capped.
The Premier’s threat to block the federal government’s cap on pollution jeopardizes Canada’s ability to attract new business investment in the clean energy sector, and will ultimately have the opposite effect as she intends, signalling that Alberta and Canada are not working with the international community to fight climate change.
A robust pollution cap with ambitious targets is needed to protect Canadians from the toxic emissions from the tar sands and to signal to the world that we’re ready to welcome jobs and investment in the renewable energy sector.
Background Information
- The oil and gas industry is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, accounting for nearly a third of Canada’s domestic pollution. This industry has continued to pump out more pollution each year and has wiped out emissions reductions made by other parts of the economy.
- Oil and gas pollution is fueling climate change, which is raising the cost of living for Canadians. Basic needs are becoming more expensive, with groceries, healthcare and insurance costs ballooning because of climate change. The oil and gas pollution cap transfers the responsibility of addressing pollution back on the industry that has profited at the expense of Canadians.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Alex Ross, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
