An omnibus survey conducted in October 2025 shows overwhelming public support for requiring oil and gas companies—not taxpayers—to take responsibility for the financial and environmental liabilities associated with aging energy infrastructure. According to the findings, 92 percent of Albertans believe companies should cover the final cleanup costs of inactive or end-of-life wells, with only a small minority favouring public subsidies. Support spans nearly every demographic group, particularly among university-educated respondents and Albertans aged 45 and older.
Albertans also strongly support requiring industry to repay outstanding financial obligations to landowners and municipalities. The poll shows 84 percent support for compelling companies to cover unpaid land rents—costs the provincial government has covered to the tune of roughly $150 million over the past decade. An even larger majority, 87 percent, supports requiring companies to pay an estimated $254 million in outstanding property taxes owed to municipalities. Seniors, middle-aged Albertans, and those with higher education levels are the most likely to strongly support these measures, while overall opposition remains minimal.
The results reveal a clear public appetite for stronger accountability measures across the energy sector, particularly as Alberta faces growing cleanup liabilities and increasing financial strain on rural communities. While the small pockets of opposition tend to come from younger, lower-income, or less-educated respondents, the broad consensus suggests that tightening regulatory and financial obligations for industry aligns closely with public expectations. These findings could play a significant role in shaping future policy debates on environmental responsibility, municipal funding, and the long-term stewardship of Alberta’s energy landscape
The results of the survey can be found here:
