As Albertans, we are fortunate to live in a province that has abundant natural resources. As a home to both a thriving energy market and a rich agricultural heritage, millions of Albertans have prospered because of what our province has to offer. Advancing technology is giving Albertans new opportunities to build upon the rich foundation that our fossil fuels and farms have built.

In October 2006, the Alberta Government announced a $239 million Nine-Point Bio-Energy Plan to help expand our energy portfolio by encouraging the growth of renewable energy produced from agricultural products. The key component of the plan is the Bio-Energy Producer Credit Program. The program will provide $209 million to companies that are producing bio-energy for commercial sale, including ethanol, bio-diesel and bio-mass generated electricity. It is scheduled to run from 2007 to 2011.

Helping bio-energy producers get started in Alberta will help diversify our energy marketplace, while also creating new jobs for Albertans and providing new markets for farmers and the forestry industry for their products, as well as their waste. Using these products as an energy feedstock is an excellent example of a value-added opportunity and a way for Albertans to get the most of our resource. A stronger bio-energy industry will also provide Albertans with a renewable energy source with significant environmental advantages. Greenhouse gas emissions from the use of bio-fuels are substantially less than energy produced by traditional fossil fuels. Gasoline with just 10% ethanol added, for example, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3 to 8%. Bio-energy and other renewable energy sources will play an important role in the province’s overall strategy for the development of Alberta’s energy resources. The development of renewable energy, such as bio-fuels, also supports our Government’s plan to build a stronger Alberta.

For more information on bio-energy production please visit our government website http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/3386.asp.

Public Consultations

Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625 and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.

See Alana's past Newsletters

As the MLA for Calgary Bow, I am always available to assist constituents. Should you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at:

Consituency Office (Calgary):   Edmonton: Toll-Free:

(403) 216-5400 (780) 415-9459 310-0000