Renewable energy has little impact on agriculture and environment, says Alberta Utilities Commission

The Alberta Utilities Commission finds that if the renewable energy developments were to come on prime agricultural land, it would only take up less than 1 per cent until 2041.

A recent study says that other sectors similar to pipeline expansion and urban development have been stronger contributors to agricultural land loss in recent years.

The AUC addressed concerns about reclamation costs that come with solar and wind power saying renewable energy forms present "well-understood and relatively contained reclamation risks."

Foothills County has expressed concerns in the past about clean-up costs after the solar farms come to the end of their life. The provincial government has put rules in place calling for utility companies to put up a bond or security before they're approved for a permit.