Ecojustice campaign to recognize the Athabasca Basin as a legal person. Donations are being welcomed. From Ecojustice (https://ecojustice.ca/news/conservation-group-seek-legal-persohood-status-for-athabasca-river-basin/):
Here’s what’s happening: Canadian Natural Upgrading Ltd (CNUL) has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator to renew its permits for the Jackpine Mine, a massive open-pit oil sands mine 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray. This industrial giant sits on the east side of the Athabasca River and is allowed to withdraw almost 100,000 litres of water from the river every single day. CNUL must renew its permits every 10 years until the mine closes, around 2052.
Working with Keepers of the Water and the Alberta Wilderness Association, Ecojustice submitted a “statement of concern” to the Alberta Energy Regulator asking it to recognize the Athabasca River Basin as a legal person and accept its concerns about CNUL’s application.
The river’s concerns are compelling: the Athabasca River is the primary waterway in north-eastern Alberta and its health is essential for local communities and ecosystems. However, CNUL has failed to provide critical information about the impacts of the Jackpine Mine on air quality, water quality and flows, and climate change. There are glaring gaps about how much water the mine actually uses, and no assessment of cumulative impacts on the region’s water supply.