Duncan First Nation comments are on the right track but emissions must be captured from the outset

This proposed natural gas powered data centre project is risky and short-sighted. It locks the region into decades of fossil fuel use, or condemns the Woodland Cree First Nation to hold a stranded asset. It threatens the water in the region, after years of drought. Methane emissions from natural gas production and distribution historically have been underestimated; this will increase them for the region (which poses health risks) and will increase global warming. Not only that but the region has great potential for geothermal energy, which paired with wind and solar could power a much more sustainable data centre (although power source is not the only concern by a long shot). The Duncan First Nation submission makes many good points about the risks and reasonable suggestions to mitigate those risks. My only disagreement with the Duncan First Nation submission is the suggestion that alternative energy sources need not be implemented from the outset. At a very minimum a firm plan for eliminating methane emissions and capturing carbon must be required from the outset; better would be a requirement for renewable energy from the outset as a component in addition to carbon capture and methane emission continuous monitoring and elimination. The Treaty lands in this region have been subjected to incremental infringement and cumulative effects of development; treaty rights are at risk. The Federal government must do it's duty, regardless of how challenging the relationship with Alberta is right now. There are many Albertans like myself who want the Federal government to more aggressively  enforce its role in ensuring a safe and healthy environment by regulating and reducing to net zero our emissions, as determined by the Supreme Court is Federal Government jurisdiction. If we are a rule of law country, we must concede that the ICJ July 2025 Advisory Opinion means we cannot allow any additional investment in fossil fuel infrastructure (at least, not without capturing the emissions). Prime Minister Carney has made it clear that Canada must act consistently, continue to protect human rights and the rule of law, and continue to attract investment because of our adherence to the rule of law. This project must not go ahead without significant measures to address the impact on water, climate, local biodiversity, and air quality.