The AB Energy Regulator just removed a few more of your rights with changes to the process for pre-application "statements of concern".
Basically they are limiting the time frame in which affected landowners can object but look at the sneaky way it is written. I capitalized the key parts. I suspect it is like the federal seed saving legislation - taking away a right and they MAY grant you a privilege in its place.
"Effective immediately …. the AER will no longer accept statements of concern submitted before an application is received.
…..Some expedited applications may be approved before the AER receives a statement of concern. If this occurs, the AER MAY review the application to determine if the company has met all AER application requirements, including notification requirements. If the AER determines that the applicant has failed to comply with AER requirements, the AER MAY initiate enforcement action. You MAY also be able to request a regulatory appeal under section 38 of the Responsible Energy Development Act.
….If the statement of concern fails to demonstrate that the person may be directly and adversely affected by the application, is not filed within the timeline specified, is unrelated to the specific application, IS RELATED TO AN APPLICATION ON WHICH A DECISION HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE .... the AER will notify the person that the statement of concern will not be considered."
Basically they are limiting the time frame in which affected landowners can object but look at the sneaky way it is written. I capitalized the key parts. I suspect it is like the federal seed saving legislation - taking away a right and they MAY grant you a privilege in its place.
"Effective immediately …. the AER will no longer accept statements of concern submitted before an application is received.
…..Some expedited applications may be approved before the AER receives a statement of concern. If this occurs, the AER MAY review the application to determine if the company has met all AER application requirements, including notification requirements. If the AER determines that the applicant has failed to comply with AER requirements, the AER MAY initiate enforcement action. You MAY also be able to request a regulatory appeal under section 38 of the Responsible Energy Development Act.
….If the statement of concern fails to demonstrate that the person may be directly and adversely affected by the application, is not filed within the timeline specified, is unrelated to the specific application, IS RELATED TO AN APPLICATION ON WHICH A DECISION HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE .... the AER will notify the person that the statement of concern will not be considered."
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