Alberta Energy Regulator Marks One Year, Launches First Annual Report

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 26, 2014) - The Honourable Diana McQueen, minister of energy, joined Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) chair Gerry Protti and president and chief executive officer Jim Ellis to celebrate the AER's one-year anniversary and launch the organization's first annual report.

The annual report highlights achievements from the AER's first year in operation and features its 2014-17 strategic plan.

"This has been a year of progress and accomplishment for the AER," said Mr. Protti. "We've launched a stronger, more transparent, more efficient regulator for oil, gas and coal development in Alberta. Built on a 76-year history of energy regulation, a lot has been achieved in a short timeframe and we remain committed to being the best-in-class regulator Albertans expect."

Since its launch in June 2013, the AER has built a full life-cycle regulatory system for energy development in Alberta, and now has the authority to oversee energy development projects from application and construction through to abandonment and reclamation, and everything in between.

"Today's event celebrates more than our first year as Alberta's new energy regulator," said Mr. Ellis. "The AER has reached an important milestone and now it's time to turn our focus to becoming a best-in-class regulator-one that is protective, effective, efficient, and credible. We protect what matters most by regulating the development of our energy resources in a manner that is safe, environmentally responsible and delivers economic benefits for all Albertans."

AER milestones over the last year include

• taking on expanded authority from Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development for public lands, geophysical, air, water, and biodiversity;
• launching an online incident reporting tool and a new approach to compliance and enforcement;
• live-streaming audio of public hearings;
• publishing notices of applications and decisions online;
• launching a new process for Albertans to file statements of concern;
• strengthening requirements to reduced impacts from flaring, venting, and incineration;
• addressing potential risks in steam-assisted gravity drainage for oil sands development;
• launching the Private Surface Agreements Registry for landowners; and
• taking action in the Peace River area to address emissions and odours from heavy oil operations.

The AER 2014-17 strategic plan reflects the organization's mandate and vision to become best in class by being protective, effective, efficient, and credible. Looking ahead, the AER will use the plan as a roadmap for setting priorities, outcomes, and performance measures and targets. The strategic plan will ultimately guide decision-making as the organization forges ahead with important initiatives designed to fulfill its mandate and achieve its vision.

The AER ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.

For related materials please visit www.aer.ca/data-and-publications/publications/aer-annual-report.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) celebrated its first year and launched its first annual report today in Calgary. Already the AER can point to tangible benefits for Albertans of having a single regulator for energy projects. The AER's annual report highlights successes from the newly established regulator's first year and outlines the organization's 2014-17 strategic plan. The Annual Report is available at www.aer.ca.