Alberta Record

· Pattern / Energy 2023-Q1 · in-force

Energy regulatory overhaul: Repeal of Deep Oil Well Reg + MRDA proclamation + AER MO on tax arrears in well licences

This cluster reflects a coordinated push to restructure energy regulation, including repealing the Deep Oil Exploratory Well Regulation (OIC 2023/3), proclaiming parts of the Mineral Resource Development Act (OIC 2023/44), and directing th…

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Updated

MO 2023_043: The Minister of Energy directs the Alberta Energy Regulator to consider outstanding municipal tax arrears when approving or transferring well licences, requiring new operating procedures and business systems.

What changed

  • OIC 2023/3: The Lieutenant Governor in Council repeals the Deep Oil Exploratory Well Regulation.
  • OIC 2023/44: This Order in Council proclaims parts of the Mineral Resource Development Act into force on March 1, 2023.
  • OIC 2023/58: Appoints Katarzyna (Kasha) Piquette as a member of the board of directors of the Alberta Energy Regulator and amends a previous Order in Council related to appointments.
  • OIC 2023/59: Reappoints Alex Bolton as chief hearing commissioner to the roster of hearing commissioners of the Alberta Energy Regulator and sets remuneration, rescinding a previous Order in Council.
  • MO 2023_043: The Minister of Energy directs the Alberta Energy Regulator to consider outstanding municipal tax arrears when approving or transferring well licences, requiring new operating procedures and business systems.

Why it matters

  • This cluster reflects a coordinated push to restructure energy regulation, including repealing the Deep Oil Exploratory Well Regulation (OIC 2023/3), proclaiming parts of the Mineral Resource Development Act (OIC 2023/44), and directing the AER to factor municipal tax arrears into well licence approvals (MO 2023_043). The routine AER board appointments (OIC 2023/58, 2023/59) support the regulator amid these changes. Subsequent coverage treats the tax arrears MO as foundational to an ongoing policy pattern integrating taxes into AER licensing[1][2][3][6][7].

Primary sources (5)