Mapping the Legal Framework for Oil Sands Development in Alberta

Authors

  • Nickie Nikolaou

Abstract

Oil sands development in Alberta has become a focal point for a challenging discussion on how to balance global energy demand with critical environmental, climate, and social considerations. This article contributes to the discussion by providing a detailed account of the current legal framework for oil sands development in Alberta. It begins with policy and land-use planning, moves through the mineral and surface rights disposition stages, and then considers the project review, approval, and final reclamation stages. Throughout, it discusses what has changed (and what has not changed) in the legal framework since the last comprehensive review was undertaken in 2007, and underscores important areas of concern moving forward.

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Published

2022-09-07

Issue

Section

Articles