Mining vs. In Situ provides an initial, much-needed comparison of the environmental impacts of oil sands mining and in situ extraction.

Drilling Deeper provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of the environmental performance of in situ oil sands by comparing nine operational facilities.

Drilling Deeper provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of the environmental performance of in situ oil sands by comparing nine operational facilities.

Based on the in situ oil sands report card, this best practices checklist shows how industry can improve environmental performance.

 An Alberta court decision that permits the Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB) to ignore Royal Dutch Shell's breach of written agreements made to obtain regulatory approval signals a likely end to collaborative approaches in the oil sands.  Ecojustice, on behalf of the Pembina Institute and the Toxics Watch Society of Alberta, was denied Leave to Appeal the ERCB’s decision to uphold the approvals for two of Shell oil sands projects, even though the ERCB acknowledged Shell had broken written agreements to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

The oil sands in Saskatchewan could hold as much as 2.3 billion barrels of bitumen, and cover an area of 27,000 square kilometres. Development of oil sands is still in its early stages in Saskatchewan, so there is still an opportunity to do things properly and avoid the mistakes in Alberta.

The oil sands in Saskatchewan could hold as much as 2.3 billion barrels of bitumen, and cover an area of 27,000 square kilometres. Development of oil sands is still in its early stages in Saskatchewan, so there is still an opportunity to do things properly and avoid the mistakes in Alberta.

The Oil Sands Myths guide provides concise, referenced information on oil sands environmental impacts and management. An overview slide show is also available.

This slideshow identifies a growing body of oil sands “spin” from federal and Alberta politicians and the oil sands industry and counters them with the plain facts about oil sands impacts.

This paper provides an overview the Pembina Institute's position on carbon capture and storage (CCS) as of February 2009.

With available fresh water resources expected to decrease as a result of climate change, Alberta faces the challenge of meeting its growing demand for water in a sustainable manner. This report draws attention to the decline of summer river flows, the future effects of climate change on water supply and the projected growth in demand for water for energy production and to meet the needs of a growing population. It also documents Alberta’s contribution to climate change through growing greenhouse gas emissions, which the Government of Alberta will allow to continue to increase through 2020.

Letter to President-Elect Barack Obama regarding the Alberta tar sands.  From the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence Canada, ForestEthics, Greenpeace Canada, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pembina Institute and Sierra Club of Canada.

Cette fiche d’information fournit un vue d’ensemble des données présentes dans la publication de l’Institut Pembina “La fièvre des sables bitumineux: Les conséquences écologiques de la ruée vers les sables bitumineux du Canada”.

Also available in English.

This Pembina Institute and WWF-Canada report is the most comprehensive comparative assessment of 10 of Alberta's operating, approved or applied for oil sands mines. The first of its kind, this report finds that for the most part oil sands mines get a failing grade.

Oil sands mines were ranked on 20 different environmental indicators in five categories: environmental management, land impacts, air pollution, water use, and management of greenhouse gases.

This fact sheet summarizes the key points from the Pembina Institute and WWF-Canada report Under-Mining the Oil Sands. The full report is the most comprehensive comparative assessment of 10 of Alberta's operating, approved or applied for oil sands mines. The first of its kind, this report finds that for the most part oil sands mines get a failing grade.

Oil sands mines were ranked on 20 different environmental indicators in five categories: environmental management, land impacts, air pollution, water use, and management of greenhouse gases.

The report, Driving it Home: Choosing the Right Path for Fuelling North America's Transportation Future, describes the stark energy crossroads that North America faces. Researched and written by the NRDC, Western Resources Advocates (WRA) - both American-based environmental groups - and the Calgary-based Pembina Institute.

The Pembina Institute presented in front of the Standing Committee on Finance February 27, 2007 to make a case for eliminating the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA). The ACCA is an irresponsible use of taxpayer's money as the oil sands sector by all measures is mature and does not need taxpayer support.

The Pembina Institute's speech to the Committee on Finance can be downloaded here.