Re: The $1.5 Billion Well Cleanup Burdening Battle River-Crowfoot Riding
At a July 30th meet and greet in Provost, I asked Pierre Poilievre about the cost of cleaning up abandoned wells in Battle River–Crowfoot – something landowners here face firsthand. He attempted to explain how oil and gas companies set aside funds for clean-up in a trust, then hesitated. MP Damien Kurek jumped in, noting there are “more regulations now” than in the 1970s and praising Alberta as a global leader in responsible oil development.
However, if regulations were effective, we wouldn’t be facing thousands of old wells leaking gas into the air and groundwater, leaving landowners and rural communities exposed to health and environmental risks. Calling Alberta a “leader” while ignoring this reality isn’t honest – it’s misinformation that prevents us from facing the crisis head-on.
It’s troubling to see political leaders deny the harms caused by oil and gas extraction—harms that threaten the health of our kids, communities, and the future of farm and ranchlands. We need honest conversations about these challenges in rural Alberta.
Afterward, another attendee said they left feeling confused, uncertain who to trust, and unsure of the truth. When politicians sidestep our questions, they protect themselves and entrench the status quo at the expense of a livable planet.
Abandoned wells won’t disappear by dismissing the issue. While clean-up is largely a provincial responsibility, we deserve leaders who acknowledge the problem, engage communities in constructive dialogue, respect our concerns, and raise the bar for responsible energy development. Our children’s future depends on it. Our farms and ranches depend on it.
Tylene Appel
Provost, AB
Tylene is an organizer with For Our Kids Alberta, a parent-led network of volunteers taking climate action for our kids, our grandkids, and future generations.
