Stephen Legault
@stephenlegault.bsky.social
Full-time Alberta energy transition activist with Environmental Defence Canada. Author of sixteen books. Nature enthusiast. Professional photographer. Writing and Photography instructor. Husband. Father. Friend.
The 1st new oil sands operation in 8 years is now online, extracting 45,000 barrels per day. Over the course of the year, that means about 1.1 million tonnes CO₂e/year. Add that to Alberta's 260 mega tonnes and the trend line continues to move in the wrong direction. energynow.com/2026/01/rare...
Rare Brand-New Oil Sands Project Starts Operating in Alberta - Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Events - EnergyNow.com
Blackrod SAGD goes full-scale after 15 years of pilot testing By Deborah Jaremko Follow CEC on LinkedIn CEC LinkedIn Follow CEC on Facebook CEC Facebook Follow CEC on Twitter CEC Twitter The Blackrod...
energynow.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:22 PM
The 1st new oil sands operation in 8 years is now online, extracting 45,000 barrels per day. Over the course of the year, that means about 1.1 million tonnes CO₂e/year. Add that to Alberta's 260 mega tonnes and the trend line continues to move in the wrong direction. energynow.com/2026/01/rare...
You know what word I can't spell, and until recently didn't really have to? Venezuela. I have a new personal goal.
January 15, 2026 at 6:06 PM
You know what word I can't spell, and until recently didn't really have to? Venezuela. I have a new personal goal.
An interesting read by the venerable David Suzuki on the relationship between oil wealth, climate, and global conflict: rabble.ca/environment/...
A global peace plan: Stop burning fossil fuels
We must stop using fossil fuels now, for the sake of the climate, but also to bring about greater global peace and stability.
rabble.ca
January 14, 2026 at 10:30 PM
An interesting read by the venerable David Suzuki on the relationship between oil wealth, climate, and global conflict: rabble.ca/environment/...
Common-sense conservatives like Sonja Savage, former UCP Minister of Energy, are warning that the economics of a new pipeline don't work, and that Venezuela heavy crude will eat Alberta's lunch (and the money we need to buy it): albertapolitics.ca/2026/01/vene...
Venezuelan heavy oil coming on stream could spell a $9-billion Alberta deficit, former energy minister predicts - Alberta Politics
Former United Conservative Party energy minister Sonya Savage spoke the truth on Friday when she forcefully suggested on a podcast that without public funding Premier Danielle Smith’s perpetual pipeli...
albertapolitics.ca
January 12, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Common-sense conservatives like Sonja Savage, former UCP Minister of Energy, are warning that the economics of a new pipeline don't work, and that Venezuela heavy crude will eat Alberta's lunch (and the money we need to buy it): albertapolitics.ca/2026/01/vene...
Iran has just announced that unless ICE stops shooting US citizens it will intervene militarily.
January 11, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Iran has just announced that unless ICE stops shooting US citizens it will intervene militarily.
Wait a second, I thought this Venezuela thing was about drugs. Boy, do I feel silly.
January 10, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Wait a second, I thought this Venezuela thing was about drugs. Boy, do I feel silly.
aje.io/8x6n7d this is a very useful explainer on the geopolitics behind Venezuela’s oil economy.
Here’s why Trump wants Venezuela’s oil
The US is the world’s largest oil producer, so why does it need Venezuela’s low-grade crude?
aje.io
January 9, 2026 at 2:56 PM
aje.io/8x6n7d this is a very useful explainer on the geopolitics behind Venezuela’s oil economy.
This issue isn't refinery capacity, it's the available market. Building a refinery in Alberta would take a decade and cost billions, all while the world slowly but surely evolves away from oil and toward renewables. energynow.ca/2026/01/eby-...
#bcpoli #davideby #energytransition
#bcpoli #davideby #energytransition
Eby Pitches 'Pivot' From Oil Pipeline to Refinery Talks after Maduro Capture - Canadian Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Events - EnergyNow
British Columbia Premier David Eby said Canada needs to "pivot" from talk of a potential new pipeline carrying oil bound for Asia and instead think about building a new refinery. Eby said Tuesday that...
energynow.ca
January 8, 2026 at 4:55 PM
This issue isn't refinery capacity, it's the available market. Building a refinery in Alberta would take a decade and cost billions, all while the world slowly but surely evolves away from oil and toward renewables. energynow.ca/2026/01/eby-...
#bcpoli #davideby #energytransition
#bcpoli #davideby #energytransition
The biggest threat to Canadian foreign oil and gas producers isn't the military action in Venezuela; it's the transition happening worldwide from petroleum to renewable energy. Canada and Alberta have their heads in the oil sands; ignoring this shift will spell disaster for our economies.
U.S. control of Venezuela’s oil reserves not a threat to Canadian producers, Carney says
Speaking at Paris summit on Ukraine, the Prime Minister reiterates that Ottawa welcomes removal of Maduro
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:07 PM
The biggest threat to Canadian foreign oil and gas producers isn't the military action in Venezuela; it's the transition happening worldwide from petroleum to renewable energy. Canada and Alberta have their heads in the oil sands; ignoring this shift will spell disaster for our economies.
Reposted by Stephen Legault
I have been saying this for some time to students seeking career advice:
the energy sector is one of the most exciting places to work with a huge transformation taking place right now.
Electrification is a game changer and means a redesign of our energy system as we know it.
the energy sector is one of the most exciting places to work with a huge transformation taking place right now.
Electrification is a game changer and means a redesign of our energy system as we know it.
January 6, 2026 at 9:04 AM
I have been saying this for some time to students seeking career advice:
the energy sector is one of the most exciting places to work with a huge transformation taking place right now.
Electrification is a game changer and means a redesign of our energy system as we know it.
the energy sector is one of the most exciting places to work with a huge transformation taking place right now.
Electrification is a game changer and means a redesign of our energy system as we know it.
Supply and demand still applies to global oil markets. There is more supply, and will be even more if Venezuela rejoins the export biz, and there is less demand, as China, South Korea, much of Europe and large parts of Africa embrace the energy transition. energynow.ca/2026/01/fore...
Forecasts predict lacklustre oil, higher Alberta gas prices in 2026 - Canadian Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Events - EnergyNow
A pair of energy forecasts released Tuesday see lacklustre crude oil prices continuing this year amid a global supply glut and natural gas prices picking up steam as more Canadian shipments make their...
energynow.ca
January 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Supply and demand still applies to global oil markets. There is more supply, and will be even more if Venezuela rejoins the export biz, and there is less demand, as China, South Korea, much of Europe and large parts of Africa embrace the energy transition. energynow.ca/2026/01/fore...
It's possible that the world will look at what has happened in Venezuela and conclude that the acceleration of the current energy transition is the only way to ensure a livable planet, national sovereignty, and a functioning socio-economic society.
January 6, 2026 at 4:02 PM
It's possible that the world will look at what has happened in Venezuela and conclude that the acceleration of the current energy transition is the only way to ensure a livable planet, national sovereignty, and a functioning socio-economic society.
US oil giants have noted that had Trump consulted them about Venezuela, they would have warned him that the cost to reestablish that country's oil sector would be tens of billions, and take a decade. Imagine the gall of a CEO who expects to be consulted about an illegal military operation.
Opinion: Canadian energy producers face an oil glut that undermines the case for more pipelines
The threat of major new supply from Venezuela is not what’s behind the drops in oil sands stocks
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM
US oil giants have noted that had Trump consulted them about Venezuela, they would have warned him that the cost to reestablish that country's oil sector would be tens of billions, and take a decade. Imagine the gall of a CEO who expects to be consulted about an illegal military operation.
Oil tycoons hear the word "chaos" and think, How can I make money from this clearly illegal action? The next thing they think is, Can I use this international embarrassment to press my case to build another unnecessary pipeline? www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Canada needs new pipeline urgently to counter Venezuelan oil surge, Strathcona chair says
Canadian tycoon Adam Waterous says approvals for major nation-building projects needs to be three months to remain competitive
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Oil tycoons hear the word "chaos" and think, How can I make money from this clearly illegal action? The next thing they think is, Can I use this international embarrassment to press my case to build another unnecessary pipeline? www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Pro-oil commentators are currently lining up to argue that the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the possible future production of tar sands look-alike heavy crude mean that Canada should diversify its exports...Does that make sense? Read EDC's entire statement: environmentaldefence.ca/2026/01/05/s...
Statement in Response to Recent Pro-Oil Arguments for New Bitumen Pipelines - Environmental Defence
By Stephen Legault, Senior Manager, Alberta Energy Transition, Environmental Defence Canmore | Traditional territories of the Treaty 7 Nations – Pro-oil
environmentaldefence.ca
January 5, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Pro-oil commentators are currently lining up to argue that the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the possible future production of tar sands look-alike heavy crude mean that Canada should diversify its exports...Does that make sense? Read EDC's entire statement: environmentaldefence.ca/2026/01/05/s...
The US relationship with Venezuela oil production started in the 1920's and by the 1970's Venezuela was a major supplier to the US. Alberta increasingly filled that void in the 1980s, and now 97% of our exports go to the USA. What happens now?
January 5, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The US relationship with Venezuela oil production started in the 1920's and by the 1970's Venezuela was a major supplier to the US. Alberta increasingly filled that void in the 1980s, and now 97% of our exports go to the USA. What happens now?
According to one source (discoveryalert.com.au/canada-energ...) the success of the Canada-Alberta pipeline deal, with access to Asian markets, requires completion of the pipeline and Carbon Capture infrastructure by 2030. Four years from now. The last pipeline expansion took twelve years. Good luck.
Canada Alberta Pipeline Deal Secures $15 Billion Carbon Capture Investment
Canada Alberta pipeline deal adds 1M barrel capacity expansion with $15B carbon capture in groundbreaking energy framework.
discoveryalert.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 4:43 PM
According to one source (discoveryalert.com.au/canada-energ...) the success of the Canada-Alberta pipeline deal, with access to Asian markets, requires completion of the pipeline and Carbon Capture infrastructure by 2030. Four years from now. The last pipeline expansion took twelve years. Good luck.
But to do so, we'll need a much more dramatic effort to adapt to #climatedisruption and #disaster. Will 2026 be the year we breakthrough, or breakdown? www.cbc.ca/news/science...
#climateaciton #climateresilience #abpoli #canpoli #enviromentaldefence
#climateaciton #climateresilience #abpoli #canpoli #enviromentaldefence
Climate disasters in 2025 threatened people's ability to respond and adapt, scientists say | CBC News
Climate change worsened by human behavior made 2025 one of the three hottest years on record, scientists said.
www.cbc.ca
January 2, 2026 at 3:52 PM
But to do so, we'll need a much more dramatic effort to adapt to #climatedisruption and #disaster. Will 2026 be the year we breakthrough, or breakdown? www.cbc.ca/news/science...
#climateaciton #climateresilience #abpoli #canpoli #enviromentaldefence
#climateaciton #climateresilience #abpoli #canpoli #enviromentaldefence
One thing is for certain; the world is struggling forward with an energy transition, regardless of what the robber barons in the oil industry or government's do to stop it: www.cbc.ca/news/science....
#climateaction #energytransition #environmentaldefence
#climateaction #energytransition #environmentaldefence
ANALYSIS | COP30 failed to land a deal on the fossil fuel transition. Countries are moving forward anyway | CBC News
Countries failed to reach a deal on fossil fuels at the recent UN climate summit in Brazil. But the fact that it was put on the agenda shows global momentum is continuing to build.
www.cbc.ca
January 2, 2026 at 3:50 PM
One thing is for certain; the world is struggling forward with an energy transition, regardless of what the robber barons in the oil industry or government's do to stop it: www.cbc.ca/news/science....
#climateaction #energytransition #environmentaldefence
#climateaction #energytransition #environmentaldefence
Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz resigns, reports the CBC and Calgary Herald. Thank you for your service, Minister, through I would have preferred had you focused on protecting the environment rather than subbing in as Minister of Energy, promoting carbon intense energy at every turn.
December 31, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz resigns, reports the CBC and Calgary Herald. Thank you for your service, Minister, through I would have preferred had you focused on protecting the environment rather than subbing in as Minister of Energy, promoting carbon intense energy at every turn.
Something I'll be watching in 2026: if the promised British Columbia/Alberta legislated plan to restore nearly one gigawatt of transfer capacity on their 500 kV AC intertie. The numbers mean less than hoped for execution of a plan to kickstart the western leg of a national electricity system.
December 31, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Something I'll be watching in 2026: if the promised British Columbia/Alberta legislated plan to restore nearly one gigawatt of transfer capacity on their 500 kV AC intertie. The numbers mean less than hoped for execution of a plan to kickstart the western leg of a national electricity system.
To put things in perspective, 10.7 gigawatts - which Alberta cancelled when it placed a moratorium and restrictions on renewable energy - could power 7x the homes in the province. AB wiped more than $4 billion in annual revenue from its books (if the power had been sold on the wholesale market).
December 31, 2025 at 5:28 PM
To put things in perspective, 10.7 gigawatts - which Alberta cancelled when it placed a moratorium and restrictions on renewable energy - could power 7x the homes in the province. AB wiped more than $4 billion in annual revenue from its books (if the power had been sold on the wholesale market).
"Alberta lost 10.7 gigawatts of clean energy capacity in the two years after the province slapped a moratorium on renewable energy, enough to meet 109% of its average power demand and 89% of its peak demand," reports The Energy Mix. So much for a free and prosperous society.
December 31, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"Alberta lost 10.7 gigawatts of clean energy capacity in the two years after the province slapped a moratorium on renewable energy, enough to meet 109% of its average power demand and 89% of its peak demand," reports The Energy Mix. So much for a free and prosperous society.
I've been saving this for a cold hard day in December, and today was the day, and boy was it worth the wait. My favourite lines were the ones that created the deepest groans. Well done Mr. Leader, you've proven that tragedy is the best source of comedy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVfw...
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀?
YouTube video by Barry Cordingley
www.youtube.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
I've been saving this for a cold hard day in December, and today was the day, and boy was it worth the wait. My favourite lines were the ones that created the deepest groans. Well done Mr. Leader, you've proven that tragedy is the best source of comedy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVfw...
It's essential to understand the scale of the carbon emissions addiction that Canada's oil and gas sector has, and what a "solution" like the carbon capture project proposed by Mantel Capture Inc. will make: at 60,000 tonnes (if it worked) it would reduce emissions by .03%. surl.li/gvxwdo
December 22, 2025 at 5:04 PM
It's essential to understand the scale of the carbon emissions addiction that Canada's oil and gas sector has, and what a "solution" like the carbon capture project proposed by Mantel Capture Inc. will make: at 60,000 tonnes (if it worked) it would reduce emissions by .03%. surl.li/gvxwdo