EDMONTON - Taking action on climate change and seeking out ideas on how to manage and sustain Alberta's water supply topped the list of a number of activities for Alberta Environment for 2001-2002.

The Alberta Environment 2001-02 annual report, released September 30, describes the specific achievements in the areas of water and climate, as well as many other environmental initiatives and activities undertaken last fiscal year by the department and the Environmental Appeal Board.

"Alberta is on target with its goals in most areas, and with specific achievements in the areas of climate, water and waste management," said Environment Minister Lorne Taylor. "Education programs and partnerships with Albertans are making a difference as we work together towards our goal - a healthy, sustainable environment."

Some highlights of the department's activities in 2001-02 include:

* Released Alberta's Strategy for Managing Environmental & Economic Risks as well as An Assessment of the Economic Impacts of the Kyoto Protocol.

* Initiated Water for Life: Alberta's Strategy for Sustainability, a public consultation and outreach process to ensure a safe, secure and reliable water supply.

* Revised the Beverage Container Recycling Regulation to include Alberta breweries, entitling consumers to a full deposit on containers.

* Established stringent emissions standards for all new coal-fired electricity generation plants and for expansions to existing plants.

* Received EcoLogo certification for innovative and environmentally friendly renovations to a new Environmental Education Centre - only the third office in Canada.

* Led the development of the national Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soils Standard, providing certainty and consistency for landowners, industry and regulators during land reclamation.

* Hosted the world's first Youth Eco Forum, an international meeting of young people to discuss common environmental issues.

* Conducted a number of environmental education and inspection programs with Alberta businesses and industry to raise awareness about proper waste management.

Copies of Alberta Environment's 2001-02 annual report are available on the department's web site at www.gov.ab.ca/env/about.html Hard copies are also available at the department's Information Centre in Edmonton at 780-422-2079, toll-free by first calling 310-0000.

Media contact:

Stephanie Francis
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
780-427-4986