Premier Stelmach says energy superboard needed to help keep Alberta competitive

<p>EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach says the time has come for a so-called energy regulator superboard.</p> <p>Stelmach says while the province’s energy regime is competitive, a new one-stop location for permits, approvals and monitoring is needed to help keep Alberta competitive.</p> <p>He said he has heard that in some cases, approvals take up to three years.</p> <p>Stelmach’s government has tabled in the legislature a 32-page discussion paper that looks at creating one agency to regulate the oil, gas and coal industries, and eventually mining as well.</p> <p>The duties are currently spread over three departments.</p> <p>The government is now hearing from industry officials and other Albertans on the superboard plan, and will eventually draft legislation to make the changes.</p>