Alberta Energy Regulator Core Research Centre Opens as Part of Province-Wide Launch to Ensure Efficient, Comprehensive Energy Regulation

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 10, 2013) - The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) officially opened its Core Research Centre today following last week's Government of Alberta proclamation of the Responsible Energy Development Act.

"Albertans take seriously that development of our abundant energy resources must be done responsibly," said Energy Minister Ken Hughes. "Nowhere is this more evident than in the dedicated work of our staff."

The organization is tasked with ensuring that Alberta's oil, oil sands, natural gas, and coal are developed safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible manner.

"With the organization's structure, we can assure Albertans that the decision-making process is fair and transparent and that we will not mix the business of the regulator with the adjudicative decisions of the hearing commissioners," said Chief Hearing Commissioner Brad McManus.

Last week, the AER also launched a 24-hour toll free emergency response line and its new website, www.aer.ca. The toll-free phone line, 1-800-222-6514, is to be used for all energy and environmental emergencies and complaints which had previously been directed to individual field centres throughout the province and is staffed 24 hours a day. General inquiries or regulatory questions should be directed to the AER's Customer Contact Centre at 1-855-297-8311 or inquiries@aer.ca.

The new website, www.aer.ca, provides detailed information on AER requirements and initiatives. The website is smartphone compatible and includes links to social media feeds operated by the AER for information updates. The AER also launched a systems and tools portal which includes user guides and links to all AER systems, including the Data Digital Submission system, map viewers, and query tools.

The Alberta Energy Regulator 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.

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The Core Research Centre Field Centre opened its doors as the Alberta Energy Regulator today as the new regulator launches across the province. The Alberta Energy Regulator will be taking on additional regulatory duties over the coming year to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and conservation of Alberta's hydrocarbon resources. The Alberta Energy Regulator was established to provide full life-cycle energy regulation for oil, oil sands, natural gas, and coal development in Alberta. More information is available at www.aer.ca.