Calgary Enterprise Forum organized a debate at The Calgary Petroleum Club, asking the question “Is Oil Sands Development Ultimately Irreconcilable with the Environmental Agenda?”
Elizabeth May, Deborah Yedlin (Calgary Herald columnist) and Murray Smith (Energy Minister 2001-2005) found some common ground lamenting Alberta’s dependence on coal fired plants and the lack of any clearly stated Canadian energy strategy.
Natalie Odd, a plethora of Green candidates, Green volunteers and oil patch executives enjoyed the evening immensely. We believe this recap would be of interest to every Calgarian wondering how “the other side” views the oil sands. (You might be surprised.)
Deborah Yedlin: Issue is bigger than Oil Sands. Stopping production today will have no impact on global GHG (Green House Gas) emissions. No such thing as clean coal. Carbon capture and storage is like giving methadone to a heroin addict. Alberta is as arid as Arizona desert, should we use 45% of our water on agriculture? Oil sands is an easy target
Murray D. Smith: Oil patch and oil sands history. Industry is full of people who care about the environment. We use half our energy transporting energy. Poverty won’t help our environmental record.
Elizabeth May: Climate change is a security issue. Innovators profited during similar scenario regarding ozone layer and CFC manufacturers in 1985. Biggest economic opportunity in history of humanity. Go slow. Sensible planning. Moratorium.
Q – Is the Green Party against the oil sands? A – (EM) Moratorium on new project development until efficiency improves. EROI of 3:1 must be improved before expansion.
Q – Are innovations due to good will of oil companies, or due to public pressure? A – (DY) Early developments focused on profit, until footprint recognized. Astonishing reclaimed mines. Public pressure and profit play roles, but mainly respect for where we live. | (EM) Only 1 square km certified reclaimed. Far less criticism of industry than Alberta government. | (MS) Alberta had 1st Dept of Environment in Canada. Role of Energy Resource Conservation Board is world level. Stopped flaring and minimized surface venting. Is reasonable to argue Alberta government fell down on infrastructure. Government is a partner with industry.
Q – As a province, are we developing our resources too fast? A – (EM) Peter Lougheed says development was too fast. Is 5 million gallons a day our goal? Where is our energy policy? | (DY) Market forces were already slowing development before market crash. We don’t want government dictating which projects go forward. | (EM) Government assistance propped up industry when oil was under $30/barrel.
Q – How can industry prepare for onslaught of NGOs? A – (MS) Shipments continue to increase. Oil sands are part of Obama’s economic recovery program. Resource belongs to Alberta, but opportunity belongs to Canada. Not enough Canadian refining capacity to supply Albertan oil to Eastern Canada. Oil sands is convenient target for protesters, try protest in Venezuela or Iraq. We need Canadian energy supply strategy.
Q – What can we all agree on? A – (DY) Sustainable energy, economy & environment is common goal. We need national energy strategy. Natural gas industry in deep trouble. | (DS) Transmission lines deliver carbon savings. Get involved in public policy. Sausage. | (EM) Need public policy around energy. Important to have dialog like this. Thank you to government of Alberta for stopping flaring. Stone age didn’t end because we rant out of stones. Shut down Alberta coal plants, use natural gas. Improve oil sands efficiency and keep producing for a long time.
November 20, 2009
Tags: CO2, Deborah Yedlin, development, Elizabeth May, environment, GHG, Green Party Calgary, Murray D. Smith, oil sands, tar sands Posted in: News
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