Grassroots campaigning is not something that comes naturally to us here at the Pembina Institute. But the level of public discourse over energy issues and environmental protection in this country has sunk so low over the past few months that even Canadians who are well informed have just cause to wonder who to believe. Read more...
Backgrounder: EU fuel-quality directive
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transportation fuel policy
This backgrounder answers some frequently asked questions about the European Union’s proposed fuel-quality directive, which would essentially encourage the use of cleaner and lower-carbon fuels over those with a higher carbon footprint.
This could have implications for Canada’s oilsands producers since, in general, more greenhouse gas emissions are produced in the extraction and refining of oilsands than in producing and refining conventional oil.
Learn more: Backgrounder
Responsible Action
An assessment of Alberta's greenhouse gas policies
This report provides a detailed evaluation of Alberta's current regulations and financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and identifies key opportunities for the Government of Alberta to strengthen its approach to climate change.
In the most comprehensive assessment of Alberta’s climate change policies to date, Responsible Action concludes that Alberta’s current approach will deliver less than one third of the greenhouse gas reductions the Government of Alberta has committed to; the report also indicates that strengthening current policies could enable the province to meet its climate targets.
Learn more: Full report | Media release | Briefing note | Slide show
Here is the media briefing as provided by Simon Dyer, policy director of the Pembina Institute.
Pipeline and tanker trouble
The impact to British Columbia's communities, rivers, and Pacific coastline from tar sands oil transport
The proposed Northern Gateway oilsands pipeline would carry more than half a million barrels of raw crude oil (known as bitumen) daily across important salmon-bearing rivers, coastal rainforests, and sensitive marine waters in British Columbia. From Canada's Pacific coast, the extracted bitumen would be transported by supertanker to refineries in Asia, California, or elsewhere.
This report examines the environmental risks associated with transporting oilsands through the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, and includes policy recommendations.
Learn more: Full report | Fact sheet | Media release
Keystone XL in context: oilsands and environmental management
Two decades of ineffective management have left their mark on the Canadian landscape
There is a growing debate in the United States about the environmental impact of oilsands and the related issue of whether there are effective legal and regulatory frameworks in place in Canada to address these impacts.Filling the proposed KXL pipeline with oilsands will result in nearly a 50 per cent increase in oilsands production. Until environmental management of the oilsands is improved, KXL will cause significant environmental harm due to increased oilsands production.
This fact sheet provides a summary on the impact of oilsands development on land, species at risk, First Nations, water and tailings and greenhouse gases.
Learn more: Fact sheet | Briefing note
Oilsands and climate change
How Canada's oilsands are standing in the way of effective climate action
As the United States evaluates whether 
the proposed Keystone XL oilsands pipeline is in its national interest or not, there are important issues it must consider, such as the ability of Canadian provincial and federal climate policies to effectively address rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the pipeline issued by the U.S. Department of State overlooked key information and context on greenhouse gas emission management in Canada. In fact, a close inspection of Canada's climate record illustrates key weaknesses at the federal level as well as in Alberta.
This fact sheet and briefing note aim to supplement the dialogue by providing key information on oilsands emissions growth, future oilsands intensity improvements, and the climate policies in effect in Canada at the provincial and federal levels.
Learn more: Fact sheet | Briefing note
Oilsands Performance Metrics Summary Report
The Oilsands Performance Metrics Summary Report summarizes input from 60 thought leaders who attended the Oilsands Metrics Thought Leader Forum on May 3, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta. It incorporates additional input collected from participants at three follow-up webinars in June 2011.
The report summarizes 11 key audiences for oilsands performance metrics and details three key design principles. A successful system of oilsands metrics will have to be relevant, accurate and credible.
The report suggests a successful oilsands metrics system will: 1) cover environmental, social and economic factors; 2) allow for benchmarking across companies, projects or regions; 3) allow companies to be held accountable to compliance and performance targets, and; 4) allow for the evaluation of a company's social licence to operate.
This 27-page report discusses and makes recommendations on the key design principles for oilsands performance metrics and provides examples of existing and emerging performance metrics initiatives. The report also explains the needs of the audiences in detail.
The report was prepared by: The Pembina Institute, the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE) and Deloitte.
Learn more: Summary report | Webinar slide show | Pre-read
Full Disclosure
Environmental liabilities in Canada's oilsands: perspective for investors
Canada's oilsands contain the world's largest remaining deposit of oil that is still open to investment by western oil companies. As such, the oilsands are crucial to the long-term financial future of many of the world's leading oil companies. Yet the economics of oilsands extraction, even at today's relatively high prices, are fairly marginal, and a lack of disclosure by companies may be making the financial picture look better than it actually is.
Learn more: Full report | Blog post
Solving the Puzzle
Environmental responsibility in oilsands development
Alberta's oilsands have become the subject of intense scrutiny, due to a history of inadequate regulation, management and monitoring of the environmental impacts of production.
Solving the puzzle: environmental responsibility in oilsands development outlines 19 specific solutions available to help the Alberta government adequately address the environmental impacts of oilsands operations.
The report recommends implementing specific policies to protect air, land and water, along with a credible approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a world-class environmental monitoring system.
Learn more: Media Release | Solutions Checklist | Full Report
Visit our oilsands solutions page
Pipeline to Nowhere?
Uncertainty and unanswered questions about the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline
While Enbridge has actively promoted the perceived benefits of its proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, some critical questions remain unanswered.
This report aims to address these uncertainties and unanswered questions, such as: Is there a demonstrated demand for this pipeline? Is there a need for more export pipeline capacity? And does the Joint Review Panel have enough information to make an informed decision?
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