Author Archives: Chris Wray

About Chris Wray

Chris Wray is a third-year law student at the University of Calgary’s Juris Doctor Program (’22). He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at MacEwan University with a Minor in Business Law. He has work experience with Service Alberta prior to his JD studies

How is the Orphan Fund Levy Set? Alberta’s Oil and Gas Clean-up Costs in 2022

By: Drew Yewchuk & Chris Wray

PDF Version: How is the Orphan Fund Levy Set? Alberta’s Oil and Gas Clean-up Costs in 2022

Decision Commented On: The Upcoming Orphan Fund Levy for 2022/2023

ABlawg has covered the orphan and inactive oil and gas well issue for around five years now and those who have not followed the issue can become lost in the complexities of the regulatory system. This post is an entry point for those first starting to look carefully at the issue. It describes Alberta’s oil and gas clean-up obligation and costs problems in detail, explains why it is difficult to get clear information about the precise size of the problem, and ends by describing what is at stake in the upcoming policy decision: the annual decision of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to set the amount of the 2022/2023 Orphan Fund Levy. Continue reading →