MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - New provincial rules surrounding renewable energy projects strike a fair balance between landowner rights, the agriculture industry, and the energy sector, says Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers.
Released on Feb. 28, the new rules come following a seven-month moratorium on approval of most renewable energy projects.
Mountain View County was in support of the moratorium, saying the need to protect landowners from future reclamation costs was vital
“The county supported the recent temporary pause on final approvals for major renewable energy projects,” reeve Aalbers told the Albertan.
“The subsequent policy clarifications from the province of Alberta, emphasizing agriculture-first policies and introducing reclamation security requirements, align closely with our past advocacy.
“We view the province’s action as a commendable effort in striking a strong balance, taking into account landowner rights, the renewable energy sector’s concerns, and prudent long-term planning, to support both the agriculture industry and the environment.”
Regarding municipalities, the new rules automatically grant municipalities the right to participate in AUC hearings, enable municipalities to be eligible to request cost recovery for participation, and allow municipalities to review rules related to municipal submission requirements while clarifying consultation requirements.
Under the new rules developers will be responsible for reclamation costs via bond or security, and the reclamation costs will either be provided directly to the Alberta government or may be negotiated with landowners if sufficient evidence is provided to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
Regarding agricultural lands, the new rules will see the AUC take an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating the best use of agricultural lands proposed for renewables development.
As well, Alberta will no longer permit renewable generation developments on Class 1 and 2 lands unless the proponent can demonstrate the ability for both crops and/or livestock to coexist with the renewable generation project.
Also, the provincial government will establish the tools necessary to ensure Alberta’s native grasslands, irrigable and productive lands continue to be available for agricultural production.
In a press release, Heather MacKenzie, executive director with the non-profit society Solar Alberta, said, “The new rules will not only hurt the renewables sector in terms of jobs and growth, they will also increase electricity costs for all Albertans, decrease investment in our province, and fundamentally undermine our ability to achieve a net-zero grid.”
Paul McLaughlin, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), said, “While many of the details are still to be determined, RMA is cautiously optimistic that this approach will reduce conflicts between renewable projects, local land use plans and agricultural land preservation, and ensure that project owners are responsible for decommissioning and reclamation costs.”
RMA represents 69 rural municipalities, including Mountain View and Red Deer counties.
