Across British Columbia, responsible energy development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is leading the way in ensuring inactive oil and gas sites are properly closed and restored, reducing long-term environmental liabilities in the province. Thanks to our Dormancy and Shutdown Regulation (DSR) and Permittee Capability Assessment (PCA) programs, along with the dedicated efforts of industry, we are seeing real progress. More sites are being reclaimed, fewer dormant sites are left in limbo, and industry is being held accountable for its responsibilities.

A Clear Path to Restoration

Before the introduction of the DSR in 2019, many inactive wells, pipelines, and facilities remained in an indefinite state of dormancy, creating environmental risks and uncertainty. The DSR changed that by requiring companies to follow strict timelines for site closure and restoration. This regulation has significantly increased cleanup activity, ensuring that once energy infrastructure is no longer in use, it is safely decommissioned, and the land is restored.

In 2022, we took another major step forward with the introduction of the PCA program. Unlike previous models, the PCA evaluates a company’s financial health using a comprehensive set of financial metrics. This process helps identify companies that need to complete site restoration work or provide additional security. At the same time, it ensures that security is returned to companies that have fulfilled their obligations and successfully reduced liability.

A Measurable Impact

Thanks to these initiatives, liability in the province is steadily declining, as illustrated in the graph below. More dormant sites are being cleaned up, reducing environmental hazards and returning land to productive use. By encouraging proactive site management and ensuring industry funds its own cleanup efforts, we are creating a more sustainable and responsible energy sector.

A Legacy of Accountability and Renewal

At the BCER, we are committed to ensuring energy development in British Columbia is not just productive, but also responsible. Through strong policies like the DSR and PCA, we are driving real change—reducing long-term liability, accelerating site restoration, and protecting B.C.’s natural landscapes for generations to come.

Together with industry partners, government agencies, and local communities, we are building a future where energy resources are developed with accountability and care. The progress we are seeing today is a testament to the power of smart regulation and a shared commitment to sustainability—one site at a time.