Oil Sands Projects No Longer Need Cabinet Approval in Alberta

Alberta will no longer require oil sands projects to go before a Cabinet minister for approval under a new law.

Bill 22, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, removes ministerial authorization under the Oil Sands Conservation Act for proposals already approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator. It was signed into law Thursday.

Alberta is home to the world’s third-largest oil reserves. The new law affects open pit oil sands mines and in situ facilities, which push asphalt-like bitumen out of the ground using steam.

“These changes ensure that regulatory processes remain rooted in science and fact rather than politics,” Kavi ...