Section 12: Renewable Energy Development Zones1. The Minister of Natural Resources may designate certain areas of land as Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZ) for the purpose of encouraging the development and implementation of renewable energy projects.2. The Minister shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and local governments, before designating a REDZ.3. The designation of a REDZ may include conditions and requirements for the types of renewable energy projects that may be developed within the zone, as well as guidelines for environmental assessments and consultation with affected communities.4. The Minister may revoke the designation of a REDZ if it is determined that the zone is no longer suitable for renewable energy development or if the conditions and requirements for development are not being met.5. The Minister shall provide regular updates to the public on the status of REDZs and any developments within them.

Section 12 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act allows the Minister of Natural Resources to designate certain areas of land as Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZ) in order to encourage the development and implementation of renewable energy projects. This section is an important tool for promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The designation of a REDZ requires consultation with relevant stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and local governments. This ensures that the interests and concerns of affected communities are taken into account in the development of renewable energy projects. The designation may also include conditions and requirements for the types of renewable energy projects that may be developed within the zone, as well as guidelines for environmental assessments and consultation with affected communities.

If it is determined that a REDZ is no longer suitable for renewable energy development or if the conditions and requirements for development are not being met, the Minister may revoke the designation. This provides a mechanism for ensuring that renewable energy projects are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

One key legal issue related to Section 12 is the potential for conflicts between the interests of affected communities and the goals of renewable energy development. This issue has been addressed in several court cases, including the recent decision in R v. Husky Oil Operations Limited, which emphasized the importance of meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities in resource development projects.

Other relevant case law includes the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia, which recognized Indigenous title to traditional lands, and the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision in Clyde River (Hamlet) v. Petroleum Geo-Services Inc., which emphasized the duty to consult with Indigenous communities on resource development projects.

In addition to legal risks and uncertainties, there may also be ethical issues related to renewable energy development in REDZs. These could include concerns about environmental impacts, social justice, and human rights.

Overall, Section 12 is an important tool for promoting renewable energy development in Canada. However, it is important to ensure that this development is done in a responsible and sustainable manner, taking into account the interests and concerns of affected communities and the need to address climate change.