ERCB seeking feedback on regulating unconventional resources

The Energy Resources Conservation Board is inviting feedback on a new approach to regulating unconventional resources, such as shale oil and shale gas. The new approach includes “early and meaningful stakeholder engagement, minimizing surface impacts, protecting water, and maximizing resource recovery,” says a news release issued by the government. While the technology used to develop unconventional resources is not new in Alberta, the scale of the development has the potential to be much larger than in the past. In order to address the challenges associated with large-scale developments, the ERCB has suggested a new regulatory approach that moves away from well-by-well regulation to regulation focused on development within a defined area. Deadline for feedback is March 31.