Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee
The Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee focuses on policies that support Edmonton’s energy and resource sectors while recognizing the impact those sectors have on the environment. The Committee aims to balance economic and environmental considerations and remains keenly aware of local, national and global trends that impact our industries.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to energy market access, energy and environmental policy and regulation, forestry, agriculture and mining developments, innovation, research and development and artificial intelligence.
The Committee
Chair:
Stacey Schorr, Direct Energy
Vice-Chair:
Jason Comandante, Capital Power
Members-at-Large:
Jason Comandante, Capital Power
Bill Ross, Verceta
Gord Rajewski, Pinchin Ltd
Sean Collins, Varme Energy
Russ Bell, Russ Bell & Associates
David MacLean, Alberta Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA)
Vanessa Marshall, Jack59 Inc.
Sheila Smigarowski, Sheila Smigarowski Consulting and Coaching
Greg Caldwell, ATCO Gas and Pipeline Ltd.
This committee has shaped recommendations in Chamber advocacy throughout a number of documents this year from committee-specific letters to budget and election statements. Some of the recommendations this committee helped us make to government include:
- Ensure Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) regulations are incentivizing investment and development by completing a comprehensive review of RNG regulations in consultation with industry.
- Ensure strong investment in Alberta carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects.
- Enhance the Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program (APIP).
- Enhance retrofit programs to support homeowners and businesses with rising energy costs.
- Invest in geological and mineral mapping.
- Enhance workforce skills in critical mineral development at every stage of development.
- Enhance Indigenous involvement in mineral exploration and development.
- Support critical mineral production by incentivizing private sector investment.
- Continuing to develop Alberta’s world leading natural gas strategy, including maximizing Alberta’s hydrogen potential.
This committee guided additional Chamber work including:
