Oil Sands Advisory Panel Unveiled on Heels of James Cameron Visit

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | September 30, 2010 at 09:04 am

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Canadian Energy Minister Jim Prentice has appointed a panel of six scientists to look into research and monitoring of the Alberta Oil Sands.

The Alberta Oil Sands have been under fire for years. Recently there have been targeted campaigns to discourage tourism in Alberta. There are also condemnations by EU countries and the U.S. Administration. Alberta has tried to counter the attacks on Alberta with briefings to the Washington Business community.

Energy Minister Jim Prentice has unveiled a panel of six scientists that will report to him within 60 days to report on monitoring and and research of the Oil Sands.

The panel was struck amid concerns of that people living downstream from the Oil Sands were getting sick and that fish had emerged deformed and with tumors from the river.

James Cameron, the Canadian born director of Avatar, has just completed a visit to Alberta, where he informed himself on the Oil Sands and its operation. Cameron was invited by the Alberta Government after he commented that the Oil Sands are a black eye on Canada.

During a news conference yesterday, he stated that the Oil Sands are a national treasure, but that it might be wise to do further studies before expanding the scope of the Oil Sands. He also recommended that an independent panel, not the Industry's or the Alberta Government's conduct a study on the effects of the Oil Sands.

Apparently Jim Prentice heard the pleas loud and clear. Although 60 days are not a long time for this study, it will serve to verify or discredit some of the data available. A University of Alberta study recently found that toxic materials were entering the Athabasca River due to Oil Sands operation.

Proper management and a steadfast approach towards oil sand expansion may just be the key to future development and North American energy independence.