LATEST NEWS 
May 14, 2008
Power Transmission
Alberta government exempts large power-line projects from environmental-impact studies
Government regulations are being changed in Alberta to eliminate any requirement that massive power-line projects be examined for their environmental impact.
The government announced that it will exempt proposed transmission line projects from requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) because the Alberta Utilities Commission already addresses Albertans’ major concerns on routing and health.
“Our experience has shown Albertans’ concerns over transmission lines are related to routing, land management and human health – all of which can be addressed through the Alberta Utilities Commission process,” said Environment Minister Rob Renner.
“As a result of these changes, resources can be better dedicated to other environmental issues.”
The Alberta Utilities Commission will continue to regulate transmission lines and provide opportunity for public input on proposed projects.
Health and safety and routing issues will continue to be addressed through the commission.
The environment minister will maintain the power to order an EIA where required and Alberta Environment will continue to respond to landowner concerns about environmental damage occurring during the construction, operation and reclamation of transmission lines.
Previously, transmission lines of 500 kilovolts or greater required an EIA, while lines less than 130 kilovolts were exempted from these assessments.
JOC News Service
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