An open letter to MLA Petrovic on non-renewable energy
By Lethbridge Herald on December 13, 2024.
Editor:
Dear MLA Petrovic:
I am writing to address a number of concerns with policies that have recently been proposed and in some cases, adopted. Are all of these issues occurring because lobbyists with tight ties to government want these changes?
My primary concern: Cutting-edge science and the protection of Alberta’s precious and lauded environment have been thrown out the window in the following decisions.
Trapping without limits. This change, absurd and deadly, is not grounded in science.
Counting extremely rare animals like wolverines after they are dead in the interests of saving money on biologists who would determine numbers without killing their study animals is ridiculous and highly objectionable.
Should we get rid of hunting licenses and keep track of all animals by just counting the dead? In a sane world, trained biologists research to determine how many animals there are and how many might be trapped (or hunted) without negatively impacting the population.
Hunting problem grizzly bears. Why wouldn’t trained professionals do what needs to be done with problem wildlife including bears? Inviting wanna-be bear hunters (7,000 have apparently applied) to shoot bears unleashes a smorgasbord of chaotic issues including animal cruelty, danger to the hunter, and to others.
All-season resorts on public land. Alberta belongs to everyone, not just a few who are poised and capable of making money from the land. Tourism is a major industry, but opening up public lands to resort development threatens and is certain to degrade Alberta’s biodiversity and its environmental integrity.
South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) 10-year update. The existence of a questionnaire on the Government of Alberta website was cryptic, not well-publicized.
I, intensely involved in the initial period of public involvement in SSRP development, didn’t even know the new and unveiled process was underway. The 10-year update is far too important to leave to a questionnaire that few will find, and even fewer will work through, unless they are getting paid to do it, they are students, or part of a concerted lobbying group. Well-advertised public meetings are required. They’re essential, as is public scrutiny of the process.
Much has changed in 10 years, and the state of our watersheds, especially in dry southern Alberta, demands far greater attention. Alberta’s abused Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains require far greater protection. Water quality and quantity are paramount, and these meagre watersheds need added legal protection. A footnote to the ongoing degradation of these lands: Much of what was supposed to take place during the past 10 years never happened.
Surface water management. The Auditor General’s report is damning. The government’s lack of public accountability and efficiency/effectiveness in managing water is appalling and deeply concerning. This is especially true as conditions get drier and hotter in our region. Read the report.
Coal mining on the Eastern Slopes. Protecting the watersheds must rise to be Alberta’s number one priority. Government documents recognize this essential truth, but on the ground protection is non-existent.
Coal mining should never be an allowed use under the SSRP. The impacts on human health, the environment, and taxpayers left covering a heavy cleanup bill will far outweigh any perceived economic benefit.
Albertans need a long-term vision for the Rocky Mountains of Alberta before our short-term appetites and pitiful lack of cumulative effects planning destroy what’s left of our wealth of natural capital.
I am supportive of the government’s approach to renewable energy, but I wonder why non-renewable energy is not exposed to the same scrutiny. Surely if viewscapes, native grasslands, agricultural land, the impact on people living nearby, and landscape integrity are important, these criteria should be considered for all industrial projects. And cumulative effects should be taken into account in all planning activities.
Monica Field
Crowsnest Pass
20-19
If all of the issues mentioned are in fact happening or have been proposed, then shame on Smith’s minions. On the other hand, this government has shown no interest in environmental protection, especially when bowing to the demands of special interest groups alluded to in the letter.
Will the letter to Petrovic do any good? I am not optimistic!
I learned a long time ago from former conservative MLAs that Reformers listen to no one, or care about who their policies hurt and that’s exactly what we have seen starting with Ralph Klein yet they have no problem getting ignorant seniors to support them. Smith is constantly praising what Klein did to this province and ignores the financial mess he created. Like Klein she is hellbent on destroying everything Lougheed created for the good of the people.
Take Back Alberta’s David Parker lauded MLA Petrovich as “another freedom fighter.’ More than says it all…..there’s nothing like being backed by TBA.
And, to think, that the folks of the Livingstone-Macleod riding had an amazing, future advocate for our environment in Kevin Van Tighem for the NDP, and threw the chance away by voting for….this patheticism.
Thank you for this, Monica Field!
an intelligent sharing – thank you.
given how ignorant and calllous and indifferent is our ucp when it comes to accepting nature as worthy, the only any of this stops is to have people show up to the places they wish to preserve. it is not looking good.
btw – what kind of gross people will still be trapping animals, save for those that desperately depend on such a nasty practice for their most basic survival?