Industry Newsfeed

Alberta government Introduces Bill 36: The Geothermal Resource Development Act

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On October 20, 2020, the Alberta government introduced Bill 36: The Geothermal Resource Development Act[1], which is aimed at creating a dedicated regulatory framework for the development of geothermal resources in Alberta. Bill 36 signals a more proactive approach to attract investment in this emerging industry by creating greater… [Read More…] about Alberta government Introduces Bill 36: The Geothermal Resource Development Act

Alberta Utilities Commission Adopts Assertive Efficiency Measures for Regulatory Hearings

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On October 22, 2020, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the “AUC” or the “Commission”) announced [PDF] a number of initiatives aimed at increasing regulatory process efficiency and reducing regulatory lag, particularly with respect to utility rate applications. These initiatives are consistent with the AUC’s commitments set out in its 2019-2022 strategic plan [PDF],… [Read More…] about Alberta Utilities Commission Adopts Assertive Efficiency Measures for Regulatory Hearings

Alberta Electric System Operator Announces New Energy Storage Procurement Opportunity

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On October 14, 2020, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) announced plans for an upcoming Fast Frequency Response (FFR) Technology Pilot project.[1] The FFR Pilot is currently in its initial design phase and is expected to be implemented in 2021. The announcement presents a unique opportunity for energy storage… [Read More…] about Alberta Electric System Operator Announces New Energy Storage Procurement Opportunity

Ontario Introduces Sweeping Changes to Environmental Legislation

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On July 21, 2020, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 (Bill 197) received Royal Assent. Bill 197 amends multiple statutes as part of the Ontario government’s efforts to stimulate the economy by simplifying regulatory processes across various industries. Bill 197 amends 20 statutes, including significant amendments to key environmental legislation… [Read More…] about Ontario Introduces Sweeping Changes to Environmental Legislation

Alberta Announces New Framework to Speed Up Oil & Gas Reclamation

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On July 30, 2020, the Alberta government announced a new Liability Management Framework (the Framework) aimed at expediting the cleanup of orphan and inactive well sites. The Framework signals a more active approach to reclamation and management of those sites, seeking to reduce their number while providing flexibility… [Read More…] about Alberta Announces New Framework to Speed Up Oil & Gas Reclamation

Aiming for Maximum (GHG) Impacts

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Courtsey of McCarthy Tetrault. View original article here. On July 17, 2020, the Government of Canada published its Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (SACC), which will be used to assess the impacts of climate change in federal impact assessments conducted under the federal Impact Assessment Act (IAA). The SACC is deemed a strategic assessment under section 95 of the… [Read More…] about Aiming for Maximum (GHG) Impacts

BC Introduces Bill 6 to Align the Province’s Mining Sector with Global Best Practices

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. Introduction On June 22, 2020, the Government of British Columbia introduced Bill 6 – 2020: Mines Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 6) in the Legislative Assembly. The proposed amendments will restructure the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources by establishing a new Mine Audits and Effectiveness Unit to be led by… [Read More…] about BC Introduces Bill 6 to Align the Province’s Mining Sector with Global Best Practices

BC Introduces Proposed Amendments to the Mines Act

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Courtesy of McCarthy Tetrault. View original article here. The BC government has introduced proposed changes to the Mines Act (the Act) in Bill 6 (Mines Amendment Act, 2020), which passed its First Reading in the Legislative Assembly on June 22, 2020. The proposed changes were developed in response to lessons learned from the 2014 tailings spill at the Mount… [Read More…] about BC Introduces Proposed Amendments to the Mines Act

Regulation for Offshore Drilling Creates Welcome Efficiencies Under the Impact Assessment Act

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On June 3, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change (the Minister) issued the Regulation Respecting Excluded Physical Activities (Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Exploratory Wells) (the Regulation) pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act [PDF] (the IAA). The Regulation exempts proposed exploratory drilling operations occurring offshore Newfoundland and Labrador from the requirement… [Read More…] about Regulation for Offshore Drilling Creates Welcome Efficiencies Under the Impact Assessment Act

Alberta Court Gives Cabinet 10 Days to Decide on Oil Sands Project

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Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. In reasons for decision issued on February 18, 2020, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench confirmed in Prosper Petroleum Ltd v Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta [PDF] (Prosper) that the Alberta Cabinet cannot unreasonably and unjustifiably delay its decision on whether to approve an oil sands project.… [Read More…] about Alberta Court Gives Cabinet 10 Days to Decide on Oil Sands Project