CALGARY - A clean-energy group is praising a decision by the Alberta Energy Regulator to crack down on emissions from oilsands development in the Peace River area.
The Pembina Institute calls it a positive step that recognizes health concerns about odours from processing plants.
The regulator is bringing in new rules this year to reduce the potential negative effects of energy industry gas emissions, including flaring, venting and burning off gas.
It has also accepted most of the recommendations in a report released in March by a panel into complaints that Baytex Energy Inc.'s (TSX:BTE) operations are creating powerful gassy smells in the Peace River area.
The regulator said existing heavy oil and bitumen operations in the region must capture all produced gas by Aug. 15.
Calgary-based Baytex and four other companies in the area use an unusual method of heating bitumen in above-ground tanks to extract oil.
