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Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and his energy + environment ministers now announcing some moves to support the province's energy sector and economy. I'm listening in. Stay tuned. #ableg #cdnpoli
Here is some background on how COVID-19 is exacerbating a catastrophic drop in crude prices, which is very bad for Alberta's coffers (and Canada's) https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/04/21/news/canadas-deficit-likely-grow-oil-prices-hover-near-zero
So we're learning more about how the government will roll out its wellsite rehabilitation program -- cleanup of inactive sites. $1 billion will go to this, it will start May 1, and it will create 5,300 jobs.
Well cleanup is supposed to be a polluter-pay thing. But Energy Minister Sonya Savage has just outlined that some companies who are in danger of orphaning their wells will have the costs covered 100% by this program. Depending on financial ability, some will receive 25% or 50%
“They have been devastated," Energy Minister Sonya Savage says. “They don’t have two pennies to rub together.”
Wow. Reporter just asked if it's time to consider a Green New Deal. “When you talk about a Green New Deal, listen. Our focus is on getting people back to work in Alberta.” Not “pie in the sky” ideas, he says.
Kenney is reaming out this reporter -- says he's thrown for a loop that a Calgary reporter would ask that in the middle of an economic crisis. #ableg #cdnpoli
Kenney said it sounds like this reporter is working for @TheTyee (which, for the record, is a reputable independent news outlet). Calls the idea of shutting down oil and gas a "fantasy," pointing to projections that energy demand will continue.
Kenney has abruptly left the news conference. #ableg
The Energy and Environment Ministers are still there answering questions about the wellsite cleanup program.
I got busy and the presser ended, but uh, story coming soon
Here is video of that exchange between Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and a reporter asking about the Green New Deal #ableg #cdnpoli
Here’s the end of that exchange, the moment the Premier says he is leaving for a call with the PM and the other Premiers.
