Keystone XL in context: oilsands and environmental managementTwo decades of ineffective policies have left their mark on the Canadian landscape

Publication - Sept. 22, 2011 - By Nathan Lemphers, Lindsay Fischer, Jennifer Grant
Fact sheet
Download PDF
Briefing note
Download PDF

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.

Tags:  Oilsands, Provincial Policy, Federal Policy, USA, National, Alberta, Pipelines and Rail

Related Publications

First page of our report, Comparing Canadian and American Financial Incentives for CCUS in the Oil Sector

Comparing Canadian and American Financial Incentives for CCUS in the Oil Sector

Publication March 15, 2023- By Janetta McKenzie, Scott MacDougall
This report by the Canadian Climate Institute and the Pembina Institute shows Canadian oilsands don’t need more public support for carbon, capture, utilization, and storage technology to remain competitive with the U.S. oil sector. When all the regulations and incentives offered by Canadian governments are added together, they amount to more than those offered in the U.S. under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Waiting to Launch cover with oilsands refineries

Waiting to Launch The gap between Canadian oilsands companies’ climate pledges and actions

Publication Sept. 23, 2022- By Jan Gorski, Eyab Al-Aini
Canadian oil and gas companies’ free cashflow is estimated to reach $152 billion in 2022. This is the highest level of profits the industry has ever seen. However, for the first time, this boom is not being accompanied by new projects in Alberta’s oilsands sector, or a significant expansion of jobs. It is also not being invested in decarbonization efforts to align with the emissions reduction pledges of the Pathways Alliance, an industry grouping formed in 2021.
Cover to Directing Decarbonization with deer striding between two wind turbines in a field with transmission lines in the background and mountains in the distance

Directing Decarbonization Examining regulatory barriers to a cleaner grid

Publication March 20, 2024- By Grace Brown, Lia Codrington
Canada's unique electricity system means there is no overarching federal body that oversees utility regulation. Provinces and territories manage their own systems. Report outlines regulatory challenges for grid decarbonization and provides case studies for making change.

Subscribe

Our perspectives to your inbox.

The Pembina Institute endeavors to maintain your privacy and protect the confidentiality of any personal information that you may give us. We do not sell, share, rent or otherwise disseminate personal information. Read our full privacy policy.