Alberta Energy Watchdog CEO cancels Kolenhoor Sitting in an unprecedented movement

The Alberta Energy Regulator Cancels Hearing for New Fossil Fuel Project

In a surprising move, the head of the Alberta Energy Regulator has canceled a hearing for the application of a new fossil fuel project, marking the first time in the agency’s history that such a decision has been made. Environmental organizations have expressed concern over this unprecedented action, calling it a dangerous precedent.

The decision by Rob Morgan, the head of the Alberta Energy Regulator, pertains to an application by Summit Coal Inc. for an underground mine near Grande Cache, Alta., located approximately 430 kilometers west of Edmonton. A panel of the AER had previously determined that a hearing was necessary and had scheduled the quasi-court procedure for October 21.

However, Mr. Morgan overturned the panel’s ruling with his own decision, which he acknowledged in a letter dated August 21 as being “without a precedent.” He clarified that his decision should not be seen as a way for parties to challenge or dispute other AER decisions, emphasizing his respect for the autonomy and independence of hearing panels.

Mr. Morgan cited “very unique circumstances” surrounding the case as justification for his decision to cancel the hearing, noting the imbalance of participants in support of the application compared to those opposing it. He deemed holding a hearing impractical due to the overwhelming support for the project.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Alberta Wilderness Association issued a joint statement criticizing Mr. Morgan’s decision, arguing that it undermines the authority and credibility of the AER and the hearing process. They expressed concern that companies may now bypass the established public consultation process outlined in the Responsible Energy Development Act.

If approved, Summit’s Mine 14 would have a coal production capacity of approximately 3,562 tonnes per day and operate for around nine years, extracting metallurgical coal for the export market. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the outdated environmental assessment on which the existing mining license is based.

Mr. Morgan’s decision has raised questions about the independence of the AER and its ability to act as a fair and impartial regulator. Critics have pointed to his ties to the oil and gas industry and his alignment with government policies favoring the energy sector.

Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Summit Coal Inc. has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment on the cancellation of the hearing. The future of the fossil fuel project remains uncertain as stakeholders continue to voice their concerns about the implications of Mr. Morgan’s unprecedented action.