Welcome to Sullivan Field Notes.
If you’re here it’s likely because you’ve heard about Petro-Canada’s proposed sour gas development in an area along the eastern slopes of Kananaskis Country. Not surprisingly, it’s generating a lot of interest. This is a contentious proposal in a highly valued portion of the province.
What I’ve found in the two years that I’ve been working on this project is that everyone who has an interest tends to be polarized on their position. There’s not much of a grey area. It’s sort of like opera – you either love it or you hate it. There are groups who are for the environment and against any development and those who struggle with the decision to support our deep-rooted ranching history or the oil and gas industry. But from what I’ve seen, there’s nothing to suggest that there isn’t room for both.
What’s important is that we find the right balance.
You know, one of the best parts of living in southern Alberta is the affinity we have to its natural beauty – something that residents in the area enjoy daily and that many city-folk enjoy during the weekends. The same people who are driving out with their families on a crisp Sunday morning in November are some of the same people who’ve been working on the Sullivan Project. I guess the point I’m trying to make is that we all place a high priority on the environment and none of us would want to put an area that we all love in jeopardy.
The Sullivan Project regulatory hearing (which starts on Wednesday, Nov. 12 and runs for approximately three weeks) will give area stakeholders a chance to ask questions about the development. This discussions during the hearing ultimately lead to a decision by the Energy Resources Conservation Board as to whether or not this development is in the interest of all Albertans.
Throughout this project, I’ve heard a lot of good questions from people about our plans. Since not everyone can attend the hearing, I thought I would tackle some of those questions here. What I’d like to show is that many of the issues surrounding this project aren’t black and white – there is some grey area.
You’re welcome to join in the conversation – just keep in mind our commenting policy. We may not always agree, but this is your chance to have your voice heard. Who better to weigh in on an issue facing Albertans than Albertans themselves?
Comments