Wind and Solar Projects – Alberta Environment and Parks
In this bulletin, the AUC announced the issuance of a roles and responsibilities document, jointly developed by the AUC and Alberta Environment and Parks (“AEP”) (the “Roles and Responsibilities Document”).
In the Roles and Responsibilities Document, the AEP and the AUC jointly confirmed their respective roles and responsibilities for wildlife management matters in the approval and monitoring of wind and solar power plants in Alberta, including the following:
• AEP is responsible for the overall management and regulation of wildlife in Alberta. AEP’s responsibility includes establishing policies, directives, guidelines and similar administrative procedures (collectively, wildlife policies) under the Wildlife Act and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, including responsibilities for the designation, protection, and recovery of wildlife, including endangered animals and other sensitive species, and wildlife habitat.
• The AUC is responsible for approving the construction and operation of wind and solar power plants under the Hydro and Electric Energy Act and the Alberta Utilities Commission Act. Its approval process includes considering the potential impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat. The approvals, permits, and licences issued by the AUC may prescribe conditions relating to wildlife protection consistent with the environmental legislation and wildlife policies. The responsibility for surveillance and enforcement of those conditions rests with the AUC, which includes reviewing any advice provided by AEP.
The Roles and Responsibilities Document is available on the AUC website.
