Are Environmentally Sensitive Areas of southwestern Alberta being Sacrificed for Wind Power? (Part 1)

Southern Alberta, including the MD of Pincher Creek, is one of Canada’s windiest regions and the area’s rich wind resources are extremely attractive to developers. This renewable potential, however, is having an unexpected negative environmental impact – wind farms and associated transmission infrastructure are threatening one of the last remaining areas in Alberta with large tracts of native grassland and unique ecosystems of critical importance to preserving the unique bioversity of the plains. The Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG) is concerned about the cumulative impact of continued wind and transmission development on these environmentally sensitive areas of southwestern Alberta. The LLG represents ranchers and landowners dedicated to the responsible planning, use and protection of rare and irreplaceable species as well as land and water resources between the Livingstone Range and the Porcupine Hills. The speaker will argue the cumulative impact of wind-related projects in sensitive areas is excessive and only Government intervention will allow the beauty and unique biodiversity of this region to remain. Speaker: Bobbi Lambright Bobbi Lambright is a former utility executive with significant expertise in all aspects of the electricity industry in Alberta and abroad. Bobbi worked for the ATCO Group of companies for more than 30 years in a variety of companies and roles including President of the ATCO Electric distribution company in Alberta as well as its electricity operations in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Most recently she served as ATCO’s Managing Director for Australia. In that role she was responsible for managing all of ATCO’s Australia business interests including operating the largest gas distribution company in western Australia as well as several large electric generation assets. During her time in Australia she represented the company in discussions with government and industry on the integration of renewables and transitioning from a traditionally coal generation electricity market. Retired for just over a year, Bobbi is still actively involved in understanding and interpreting industry policy and direction in Alberta and is actively involved with the Livingstone Landowners Group. She has conducted considerable research into the Alberta Renewable Energy Program, the status of wind generation and associated transmission development particularly as they relate to southwestern Alberta and the MD of Pincher Creek. Moderator: Trevor Page Date: Thursday, May 30, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required