The Energy Solutions program focuses on minimizing the impacts of the fossil fuel industry on the environment. Our team works to advance environmentally-progressive practices and policies through publications, public education and media, direct negotiations with industry, lobbying, participation in multi-stakeholder forums, and by intervening in legal and regulatory processes.
Alberta Program
The intensity of oil and gas activity is increasing in Alberta. Companies are drilling more and more wells each year searching for smaller and smaller pockets of oil and gas. New sources of oil and gas, such as coal bed methane, often have more impacts than traditional oil and gas sources. Pembina released the 2nd edition of its popular book: When the Oilpatch Comes to Your Backyard to help landowners understand their rights and protect their land.
The Pembina Institute is continuing its work on coalbed methane and other unconventional sources of gas, which are expected to increase in importance. Pembina is also examining the potential impacts associated with the geological storage of carbon dioxide. Further work is underway on issues relating to the energy industry's use of water resources in Alberta.
The Institute continues to raise awareness of these issues, to negotiate for changes, and to provide advice and support to concerned citizens.
In response to the development of Arctic oil and gas reserves, the Pembina Institute published the Environment and Energy in the North Primer Series. The eight booklet series discusses the impacts of oil activity in the North. A second report, A Peak into the Future, considers the future impacts of northern gas development under different development scenarios. The Pembina Institute is also running a series of workshops on oil and gas development to assist Northerners in building their understanding of the issues. [MORE]
There are more than six large scale energy and pipeline projects proposed for development in northern British Columbia within the next five years. The pipelines and related infrastructure will affect more than 30 First Nations communities and may have significant environmental impacts including damage to fish stock and habitat; local land and wildlife disturbance and; increased greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global climate change. [MORE]
Visit www.OilSandsWatch.org and discover the environmental impacts of the rush to exploit the oil sands of northern Alberta. Download our numerous publications — such as Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Canada's Oil Sands Rush — watch our 20 minute Oil Sands Fever Video or view our introductory slide show. [MORE]
Ontario faces major choices over its energy future: More nuclear power, or an electricity system focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy? Urban sprawl or sustainable communities? Burning garbage to 'recover' energy, or a truly sustainable approach to managing municipal waste? Visit our website to learn more about the responsible choices. [More]
