Thanks for your comment. I did not see the CBC program with Suzuki, but I can certainly comment on Pembina’s perspective on oil sands development (see http://www.oilsandswatch.org/overview). The Pembina Institute believes that responsible development of the oil sands is possible, but that we are a long way from achieving this goal. We believe that no further oil sands approvals should be granted until missing environmental rules and management systems are put in place. Missing elements include things like federal greenhouse gas regulations that result in absolute emissions reductions across Canada; a completed land-use plan that identifies which areas of northern Alberta are to be conserved and are off limits to industrial development; ensuring rules are in place to halt water withdrawals from the Athabasca River during low-flow periods; and the prohibition of liquid tailings. Responsible development also requires a serious discussion about what level of oil sands development can proceed at any time while ensuring the environment is protected. You can find much more information in our Blueprint for Responsible Oil Sands Development (http://www.oilsandswatch.org/pub/1404).--Simon
Simon — Dec 21, 2009 - 09:53 AM MT
Thanks for your comment. I did not see the CBC program with Suzuki, but I can certainly comment on Pembina’s perspective on oil sands development (see http://www.oilsandswatch.org/overview). The Pembina Institute believes that responsible development of the oil sands is possible, but that we are a long way from achieving this goal. We believe that no further oil sands approvals should be granted until missing environmental rules and management systems are put in place. Missing elements include things like federal greenhouse gas regulations that result in absolute emissions reductions across Canada; a completed land-use plan that identifies which areas of northern Alberta are to be conserved and are off limits to industrial development; ensuring rules are in place to halt water withdrawals from the Athabasca River during low-flow periods; and the prohibition of liquid tailings. Responsible development also requires a serious discussion about what level of oil sands development can proceed at any time while ensuring the environment is protected. You can find much more information in our Blueprint for Responsible Oil Sands Development (http://www.oilsandswatch.org/pub/1404).--Simon