The Alberta government is looking to fast-track some energy projects it says are critical to the province’s future.
Bill 30, if passed, aims to accelerate major energy projects by creating an 120-day approval window. Projects must align with provincial priorities, be of strategic economic importance and have at least $250 million in capital investment.
To qualify, the province says proponents must complete or have substantially completed an environmental impact assessment and Indigenous consultation.
In a news conference on Tuesday, Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said the current process is riddled with unnecessary delays.
“There are many examples of projects that have spent years working through the application and approval processes only to be sent back to square one basically on a technicality,” he said.
The bill would create a review team to make recommendations to a committee of deputy ministers for approval. After that, cabinet will designate projects that qualify, starting a 120-day countdown for the Alberta Energy Regulator or other regulatory agencies to get projects approved.
He said faster approvals will help attract investment and expand to global markets during a time when demand is high.
Jean emphasized the bill does not preclude Alberta’s duty to consult.
“We’re hoping as the Alberta government that we can step in and say: ‘Hey, you haven’t done enough there.’”
“We expect the highest level of Indigenous consultations.”
It comes after Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding with Prime Minister Mark Carney to reduce layers of regulatory overlap and get federal approvals done in a two-year timeframe.
They reached a subsequent agreement last month to have Alberta take control of regulatory approvals for major projects, signaling the province would be looking for ways to deliver projects faster.
It means projects in Alberta’s jurisdiction will follow its environmental impact assessment, to avoid duplication. Projects that involve federal land or water will still be subject to federal review.
Jean said he hopes the federal government makes similar strides to speed approvals up even more.
“Alberta is usually the leader on this kind of thing. So I’m hoping to see that,” he said.
“We think two years is too long.”
