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GOVERNMENT: NDP’s Mason outlines Green Energy Plan using oil royalties
        (AlbertaIndex, February 13, Wednesday) --- The NDP has proposed to use the province’s increased oil royalties to pay for a new green energy plan that would help diversify Alberta’s economy and protect its environment.
        Party leader Brian Mason said the province should invest in renewable energy, and set energy efficiency targets for commercial, industrial, agricultural and government sectors to prepare the province for a future that depends less on fossil fuels.

“Alberta can lead by example and dramatically decrease our dependence on fossil fuels. Our plan will invest in renewable energy projects, and create jobs in emerging industries that use and create green energy,” said Mason at a news conference in an Edmonton home retrofitted for geothermal heating early this week.

He said action is needed because of a growing international move away from fossil fuels, which could pose a challenge to Alberta's economy.

“We want to help regular families conserve energy and save money. That’s why our Green Energy Plan also includes incentives for Albertans to make their homes more energy efficient.”

He criticized Premier Ed Stelmach, leader of the ruling Progressive Conservative party, and Liberals chief and Kevin Taft for having “done nothing” to prepare Alberta for the decline of fossil fuels.

“Both men are too indebted to the oil industry to plan for the day when Albertans can no longer rely on our oil industry,” said Mason.

“Oil and gas created most of the wealth of Alberta. So it’s important to get the royalty scheme right. We need to make sure we are getting full value for our resources, and not giving them away.”

The NDP leader added that he wants to investigate whether or not an Alaska level of royalties is appropriate for Alberta.

“The Conservatives tried to bias the last panel in favour of big oil, and then the government went further and watered down Hunter's recommendations even more,” said Mason. “We propose to start again, to have our consultations out in the open, and to give the panel all the information available.”

“Alaska’s oil is expensive to extract and ship, and yet their royalty rates are 60% higher than ours. Alberta families deserve to know why.”

Alaska receives 60 per cent more per barrel than Alberta, which would generate an additional $4 billion annually for the province.

Mason said: “The Liberals and Conservatives propose royalty increases of about 20% - giving their political donors in the oil patch a$4 billion gift. Alberta needs more NDP MLAs to stand up to big oil and fight on behalf of regular families.”

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