Alberta’s $900 Million Bet: How the Province Chose Fossil Risk Over Clean Energy Markets - CleanTechnica

The article critiques Alberta’s January 2026 Order in Council, which authorizes up to $900 million in provincial borrowing, investments, and guarantees to support the fossil fuel sector through the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (APMC). This move represents a significant departure from traditional public sector roles and risk management, as such large-scale financial commitments typically require legislative debate and public scrutiny in Canada. Instead, the executive order concentrates discretion within the Minister of Finance, bypassing normal transparency and accountability mechanisms. Historically, the APMC’s role was limited to selling Alberta’s royalty oil and gas transparently without taking on upstream risks or market-shaping activities, leaving infrastructure and market development to private companies. The article highlights a stark contrast in Alberta’s energy policy: while renewable energy projects have faced moratoriums, restrictions, and no public financial backing—relying solely on private investment and market mechanisms—the fossil fuel sector is now receiving direct financial support and risk-sharing from the public balance sheet. This selective intervention favors hydrocarbons