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Regulations and Compliance Enforcement

To ensure the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible  development of Alberta’s energy and mineral resources, we’ve developed a regulatory framework that strikes the right balance between protecting Albertan’s interests and resource productivity. Our comprehensive rules, regulations, orders, requirements, and enforcement tools help prevent incidents, support innovation, and promote transparency and accountability throughout the project life cycle.

Rules and Regulations

We are responsible for defining regulatory requirements in line with provincial legislation. Find information on regulatory changes, provincial legislation, directives, manuals, and specified enactments that empower us to regulate energy and resource development.

Compliance and Enforcement

Find information about our compliance and enforcement framework, which includes the Compliance Assurance Program, inspections and audits, and the different compliance tools used to ensure adherence to our requirements. 

Liability Management Programs

Our liability management programs include the Licensee Management Program, Mine Financial Security Program, and the Inventory Reduction Program. Information on closure nomination and insolvency, including the Orphan Well Association, can be found here.

Orders

We use various enforcement tools, including issuing orders to keep or bring companies back into compliance with our requirements. Use our interactive tools and maps to learn about the types of AER orders within our compliance program. 

Site Closure Requirements

Find information regarding the safe and responsible abandonment, remediation, and reclamation of energy and resource infrastructure in Alberta, including details for wells, mines, pipelines, and facilities.

Release Reporting

For a list of different substance releases and information on how and who should report them, read our Release Reporting Requirements brochure. Access further guidance on release reporting requirements and how to report or respond to an incident.