MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Renewable energy project regulations being developed over the coming months need to take into account the concerns of municipalities, says Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers.
Those concerns include the preservation of agricultural lands and environmental protection in rural Alberta.
“We appreciate there is a lot of background work that goes into the AUC’s (Alberta Utilities Commission) processing of applications and understand that a lot of the work would be required no matter what the outcome of the inquiry into the regulations surrounding renewables production will be,” Aalbers told the Albertan.
“We are very pleased that province recognizes that any changes to the regulations for renewables will need to consider the needs and concerns of the regulators, landowners, municipalities, investors and Albertans.
“Mountain View County applauds this brave more by the province and looks forward to positively contributing to changes to regulations that will benefit future generations.”
The provincial government announced earlier this month that it was pausing approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024 and reviewing policies as well as procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.
In announcing the moratorium, Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf said the government would be “conducting an inquiry into regulations surrounds renewables production to ensure that the right processes are in place to support investment.”
The AUC issued a statement asking stakeholder to provide feedback on three options for implementing the approval pause or to suggest alternative implementation options.
“Based on feedback received, the AUC will continue to process existing applications (filed before Aug. 3) and new applications filed between Aug. 3, 2023 and Feb. 29, 2024,” the commission said.
Official opposition Energy and Climate critic Nagwan Al-Guneid said “Alberta is leading in renewable energy development in Canada but that has been put in jeopardy by the six-month ban imposed by Danielle Smith and the UCP on new projects. This decision could put more than 91 projects and $25 billion in investment at risk.”
