Oil sands industry supports integrated environmental monitoring plan

CALGARY, Feb. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers today welcomed the progressive measures outlined in the Canada-Alberta implementation plan for integrated environmental monitoring in the oil sands region.

"We are pleased the federal and Alberta governments are working together as partners to provide leadership in developing and implementing a single, government-led oil sands monitoring system that will be based on sound science and provide transparency regarding the environmental performance of the oil sands industry," said CAPP President Dave Collyer. "A world-class environmental monitoring system will contribute to improved performance reporting, regional planning and industry performance improvement as the oil sands industry continues to grow."

A robust, transparent monitoring system will help industry, governments and other stakeholders achieve the goal of long-term, responsible oil sands development and assist industry in delivering continuous performance improvements.

"We look forward to working with governments to ensure the oil sands environmental monitoring system is implemented effectively and efficiently, including integration with existing environmental monitoring organizations and processes in the oil sands region," Collyer said.

Canada's oil sands resources are being developed within a transparent policy and regulatory framework. We encourage other jurisdictions to establish comparable levels of regulatory requirements and transparency in performance reporting.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. CAPP's member companies produce more than 90 per cent of Canada's natural gas and crude oil. CAPP's associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP's members and associate members are an important part of a national industry with revenues of about $100 billion-a-year. CAPP's mission is to enhance the economic sustainability of the Canadian upstream petroleum industry in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible manner, through constructive engagement and communication with governments, the public and stakeholders in the communities in which we operate.

Travis Davies, Manager of Media Relations
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
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