Alberta Energy Regulator Announces a More Efficient Process for Public Lands Act Applications

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 29, 2014) - The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has announced improved processing times and consistent timeframes for stakeholders with Public Lands Act (PLA) applications. The announcement is part of a comprehensive initiative to post timelines for most application processes over the next year.

"As part of our strategic plan, we've committed to becoming a more efficient regulator," said president and chief executive officer Jim Ellis. "This is the first step in a phased approach that will result in the AER sharing our timelines and being accountable for meeting those timelines."

Timelines for processing PLA applications have been inconsistent. The AER's new timelines range from five business days for temporary field authorizations to 90 business days for more complex applications.

"While the AER is committed to improving the efficiency of its processes and providing certainty that applications will be processed within set timeframes, all of our regulatory requirements must be met," said Rob Wadsworth, vice president, Authorizations. "These efficiencies require applicants to submit complete applications and to ensure that any required consultation has taken place or they will face delays in processing."

The PLA governs about 60 per cent of public land in Alberta, which is where the majority of the province's economic activity-oil and gas development and forestry-occurs. On November 30, 2013, the AER assumed responsibility for issuing, amending, maintaining, and inspecting all public land use authorizations and dispositions for energy resource activities, including gas, oil, coal, and oil sands development.

A full list of the new timelines is provided in Bulletin 2014-25: Timelines for Processing Public Lands Act Applications on our website.

The AER ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans. The AER has a vision to become a best-in-class regulator-one that is protective, effective, efficient, and credible.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Alberta Energy Regulator today announced improved processing times and consistent timeframes for processing Public Lands Act applications as part of a comprehensive initiative to post timelines for most application processes over the next year. President and chief executive officer Jim Ellis said this is part of the AER's commitment to efficiency and that all AER requirements must be met to avoid delays.