Permitting

Determining compensation

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 163, a Tribunal determines whether to award compensation for claimed compensable damage, calculates amounts per regulations, and may award costs if authorized. The Tribunal must notify all parties of its decision, specifying compensation and cost amounts, any regulatory reductions, and previously paid amounts.

Interim award of compensation

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, a Tribunal may award interim compensation for compensation claims if authorized by regulations, and must notify the Regulator of the awarded amount.

Powers of Regulator

Section 116 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Regulator authority to establish standardized forms and short-form descriptions for violation notices, permits the Commission to designate persons to conduct regulatory reviews, and allows the Chief Executive Officer to designate officers authorized to issue violation notices.

Regulations imposing fees, etc.

Section 142 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the regulator to impose fees, levies, and charges on pipeline operators to recover government costs from commodity release incidents. Primary liability falls on the responsible operator; if recovery is insufficient, fees extend to other operators transporting the same or similar commodities. Regulations prescribe fee calculation methods and interest rates on unpaid amounts, which become recoverable debts to the Crown.

Offence and punishment

Section 99 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal penalties for violating CER orders or regulations. Penalties include fines up to CAD 1 million and/or five years imprisonment on indictment, or CAD 100,000 and/or one year on summary conviction.

NSTA Overview 2026

The UK North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published its 2026 overview outlining the regulatory framework for offshore energy production in UK waters, addressing energy security, emissions reduction, and acceleration of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Relief

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may grant applications wholly or partially and may impose additional or alternative relief beyond what was requested. This discretionary authority does not apply to certificate applications under Part 3 of the Act.

Confidentiality

Section 61 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Commission and designated officers to issue confidentiality orders protecting sensitive information from public disclosure when disclosure poses a real and substantial risk to pipeline, power line, or offshore renewable energy infrastructure security, protective systems, or public safety.

Certificate

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue certificates of non-payment for unpaid debts. When registered in Federal Court or any other competent court, these certificates have the same legal force and effect as court judgments for the certified amount plus registration costs.

Orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue orders governing the design, construction, operation, and abandonment of facilities crossing interprovincial and international power lines. Orders authorize facility crossings, regulate ground disturbances, govern vehicle operation, allocate construction costs, and specify activities. The Regulator may also make complementary regulations with Governor in Council approval.

Rough consent granted

The UK North Sea Transition Authority granted production and storage consent to Centrica Offshore UK Ltd for the Rough gas storage facility in the Southern North Sea until 30 April 2027, enabling continued operations to support UK energy security.

Orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may exempt pipelines up to 40 km long, previously constructed pipelines, and associated infrastructure (tanks, compressors, storage facilities) from specified regulatory provisions. Exemption applications must be decided within 300 days of complete submission; the Lead Commissioner may exclude certain periods with public disclosure, and the Minister may grant extensions. The Commission may impose conditions on exemptions.

Regulations

Section 96 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Regulator to establish regulations governing the design, construction, operation, and abandonment of interprovincial and international pipelines and designated power lines. Regulations must address surveillance, monitoring, safety, security, and environmental protection, and require operators to maintain management systems that incorporate human and organizational factors.

Powers

The Canadian Energy Regulator Tribunal possesses the powers of a superior court within its jurisdiction, including authority to compel witness attendance, administer oaths, examine witnesses, demand document production, and enforce orders. The Tribunal is not bound by formal rules of evidence but must respect legal privileges recognized under evidence law.

Instructions regarding timeliness

The Lead Commissioner of the Canadian Energy Regulator may issue procedural instructions to commissioners handling applications to ensure timely processing and resolution of matters before the Commission.

If pipeline affixed to any real property or immovables

Section 224 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that pipeline sections affixed to real property, utilities, or navigable waters remain the exclusive property of the pipeline company and do not become part of underlying property without written consent and Regulator notice. Pipeline companies retain rights to create liens, mortgages, charges, and security interests on affixed sections under specified regulatory circumstances.

Information Dissemination: Licensing Process for Class I Nuclear Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills, Version 2.1

REGDOC-3.5.1 outlines the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's licensing process for Class I nuclear facilities and uranium mines and mills. All persons and companies must obtain a CNSC licence before site preparation, construction, operation, decommissioning, or abandonment of nuclear facilities, or possession, use, transport, and storage of nuclear substances under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Version 2.1 is an administrative update reflecting January 2022 organizational changes to the Commission Secretariat and Secretary roles.

Carbon storage developers apply for more than 2 million acres of North Sea

The UK's National Storage Transportation Authority closed its second carbon storage licensing round on 24 March 2025, receiving applications for over 2 million acres of North Sea seabed. Track 1 projects Endurance and HyNet are progressing toward first injection in 2028 and are expected to create 4,000 direct jobs with potential for 50,000 long-term positions. The NSTA will evaluate applications in coordination with stakeholders and marine users before awarding licences.

Confidentiality

The Canadian Energy Regulator or a designated officer may take enforcement measures and issue orders to ensure compliance with confidentiality and information disclosure obligations under section 58 and related regulations.

Coming into force and cessation of effect — Commission

Section 67 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act empowers the Commission, designated officers, and inspection officers to specify effective and cessation dates for authorization documents and orders, or impose conditions controlling their timing. Interim orders may be issued with decisions reserved, except for Part 3 certificates.

Conditions

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 65, the Commission, designated officers, and inspection officers have broad authority to impose any conditions they deem appropriate in decisions or orders issued under the Act.

Designation

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act s. 141, the Governor in Council may designate pipeline operators whose companies experience unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or commodities if they lack financial resources to cover response costs and compensation or fail to comply with regulatory orders. The Regulator may conduct response actions, authorize third parties with liability protection, and recover expenses from pooled financial arrangements or by reimbursing governments and Indigenous bodies.

Orphan pipelines

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, a designated officer may declare a pipeline an orphan pipeline if the certificate-holding company cannot be located, is unknown, insolvent, bankrupt, in receivership, or dissolved. Persons named in prior regulatory orders or authorized under Special Acts are deemed certificate holders for orphan pipeline designation purposes.

Definitions

Section 2 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes statutory definitions for federal energy infrastructure regulation, including abandoned facilities and pipelines, oil and gas exports and imports, ground disturbance thresholds for pipeline protection, and incorporates Indigenous governing bodies and knowledge in energy decision-making processes.

Recovery of loss, etc., caused by debris

Section 302 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes strict liability for losses, damages, and costs arising from debris generated during authorized energy work. Authorization holders are liable up to $1 billion (with reduced limits in Arctic Waters), while parties responsible for debris are jointly and severally liable based on fault. Claims prioritize personal losses, then government costs, then non-use value losses (recoverable only by government).

Disallowance

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may disallow tariffs or portions thereof that violate the Canadian Energy Regulator Act or Commission orders, and may require companies to file compliant replacement tariffs within a prescribed timeframe or prescribe alternative tariffs directly.

Time to apply for Production and Flaring and Venting Consents

Replacement of panel member during hearing

Section 48 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes procedures for replacing panel commissioners during hearings. If a commissioner becomes unavailable or resigns during a hearing, the Lead Commissioner may appoint a replacement to continue the hearing and participate in the decision. If unavailability occurs after the hearing concludes but before the decision is finalized, remaining commissioners may proceed unanimously to make the decision without replacement.

Supplemental Information for Small Modular Reactor Proponents, Version 1.1

REGDOC-1.1.5 provides supplemental guidance for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) licence applicants to Canada's Nuclear Safety Commission. It establishes a risk-informed, graded approach for water-cooled and advanced reactors ranging from megawatts to several hundred megawatts, supporting licence applications for site preparation, construction, operation, and decommissioning stages.

Variation of licences

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may vary licences issued under the Act either on its own initiative or upon application. Non-minor or non-technical variations require ministerial approval if deemed in the public interest. The Commission may impose new or modified conditions as necessary to fulfil the Act's purposes.

Design of Reactor Facilities, Version 2.1

REGDOC-2.5.2 Version 2.1 establishes comprehensive design requirements for new water-cooled nuclear reactor facilities in Canada, aligning with IAEA safety standards and promoting defence-in-depth design principles. The document applies to new licence applications; existing facilities licensed before 2014 are exempt unless explicitly included in their licensing basis.

Grounds for making order

Section 109 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to issue orders directing persons to cease contraventions, implement compliance measures, or prevent hazards to safety, security, property, or the environment. Orders may suspend facility operations until remediation is complete, with mandatory written notice and reporting to the Commission.

Design of Uranium Mines and Mills: Ventilation Systems, Version 1.1

REGDOC-2.5.4 is a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulatory guide for ventilation system design in uranium mines and mills. It establishes requirements for ventilation-related information in licence applications for site preparation, construction, operation, and decommissioning of underground and surface licensable areas, applying a risk-informed, graded approach to protect worker and radiation safety consistent with modern national and international nuclear standards.

NSTA grants consent for carbon storage appraisal well

The UK's North Sea Transition Authority granted consent to NZNSS Ltd to drill a carbon storage appraisal well (CS006) off Teesside for the Endurance project, beginning 7 March 2025 for approximately 90 days. The project supports the UK's net-zero target of storing 100 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2050, with government backing of up to £21.7 billion and potential creation of 50,000 long-term jobs.

EnQuest Heather fined for collective decommissioning failures

UK North Sea Transition Authority fined EnQuest Heather Limited £16.5 million for failing to decommission 33 inactive wells across four fields since 2020–2021. The operator deliberately delayed plugging and abandonment obligations through repeated missed deadline extensions, increasing taxpayer costs via tax-deductible decommissioning expenses and risking marine environmental harm.

Criteria

Before issuing an oil or gas licence, the Canadian Energy Regulator must consider all relevant factors including equitable distribution of designated oil and gas resources across Canada. Sections 348 to 351 of the Act apply to such licences.

NSTA heavyweights join impressive line-up of speakers at 25th All-Energy Conference

The North Sea Transition Authority will participate in the 25th All-Energy Conference in Glasgow on 13-14 May 2025. Chair Liz Ditchburn will discuss energy transition timelines, spatial planning and investment barriers in a plenary panel. Director Pauline Innes will moderate a panel on modernising supply chains for carbon capture, wind, oil and gas projects. The NSTA will host a Meet the Developers networking session for supply chain companies.

Pre-licensing Review of a Vendor’s Reactor Design

REGDOC-3.5.4 describes the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's optional pre-licensing review service for nuclear reactor vendor designs. The service assesses designs for safety, security, and safeguards compliance to identify regulatory or technical issues early and increase certainty, but does not certify designs, bind future licensing decisions, or constitute a required part of the licensing process.

Requirements for Renewal of Operating Licenses for Nuclear Power Plants

This regulation establishes requirements for renewal of operating licenses for nuclear power plants under the Atomic Energy Act. It defines key terms including current licensing basis, integrated plant assessment, and time-limited aging analyses. The rule specifies that license renewal applies to both safety-related and nonsafety-related systems, structures, and components that must be assessed for aging management to maintain acceptable safety levels during extended operation beyond the initial 40-year license term.

Definition of document of authorization

Section 9 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines 'document of authorization' as regulatory instruments issued by the CER, including certificates, permits, authorizations, licenses, and orders that establish the legal framework for energy infrastructure regulation in Canada.

ESG Disclosure: 2025 observations

NSTA welcomes three new non-executive directors

The UK North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) announces the appointment of three new non-executive directors—Ian Chisholm, Mitch Flegg, and Rebecca Wiles—bringing senior experience in oil, gas, and offshore energy sectors to strengthen board governance.

Enforcement of orders

Canadian Energy Regulator decisions and orders may be registered with Federal or provincial superior courts and enforced as court orders by filing a certified copy with the court registrar. If a registered decision is subsequently rescinded or varied, the court order is vacated and the modified decision may be re-registered following standard court procedures.

Orders and prohibitions

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue binding orders requiring compliance with the CER Act and authorization conditions, and may prohibit activities that violate the Act or breach authorization terms or Commission directives.

Pooled fund

Canadian pipeline operators may satisfy financial liability requirements for commodity releases by participating in a regulated pooled fund established by authorized pipeline companies. Operators must maintain additional reserves equal to any shortfall between their liability requirements and pooled fund access. The Governor in Council may establish regulations governing minimum fund levels, contribution and withdrawal limits, and participation conditions.

Financial resources

Applicants for Canadian Energy Regulator authorizations must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover Commission-determined amounts through prescribed forms or Regulator-specified methods. Proof must remain valid throughout the duration of authorized work or activity.

Application of provisions in Part 6

Section 306 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act extends Part 6 regulatory provisions to offshore power lines in provincial waters. Pipeline transportation requirements are adapted for electricity transmission, with applicants and authorization holders required to comply with specified sections. Exemptions apply for facility-sharing and shared-use arrangements where regulatory leave or authorization conditions are obtained.

Extension or improvement

The Canadian Energy Regulator may direct natural gas pipeline operators to extend or improve facilities to interconnect with local distribution networks and serve municipalities or adjacent communities, provided no undue burden is imposed on the operator and service to existing customers is not impaired.

Personnel Certification: Radiation Safety Officers

REGDOC-2.2.3 establishes Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission guidance for certifying Radiation Safety Officers at Class II nuclear facilities. It outlines application requirements, qualification criteria, and certification examination procedures to ensure RSOs are competent to perform their safety duties. An exemption applies to persons already certified in equivalent positions at Class I facilities.

Application Guide: Certification of Radiation Devices or Class II Prescribed Equipment, Version 1.1

REGDOC-1.5.1 v1.1 is a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission application guide helping applicants prepare and submit certification applications for radiation devices and Class II prescribed equipment. The guide ensures prescribed equipment is safe, protects public health and environment, meets national security standards, and complies with Canada's international nuclear obligations under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Variation or transfer of certificates

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may vary or transfer energy certificates issued under the Act on its own initiative or upon application. The Minister may direct the Commission to recommend variations or transfers to the Governor in Council if deemed in the public interest. The Commission may impose conditions necessary to fulfill the Act's purposes when varying or transferring certificates.

Court of record

The Canadian Energy Regulator is established as a court of record with superior court powers, enabling it to compel witness testimony, demand document production, enforce orders, and inspect property. All proceedings must be handled expeditiously while maintaining procedural fairness and natural justice.

Relocation

The Canadian Energy Regulator may order holders of international or interprovincial power line permits or certificates to relocate infrastructure when necessary to facilitate construction or relocation of other facilities. The regulator determines cost allocation between parties, requires mandatory consultation procedures, and may order reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred by persons making submissions.

NSTA hiring a new CFO and Director of Corporate Functions

The UK North Sea Transition Authority is recruiting a Chief Financial Officer and Director of Corporate Functions to lead financial strategy and corporate operations as the government expands NSTA's regulatory oversight of oil, gas, carbon storage, and hydrogen sectors.

Site Evaluation and Site Preparation for New Reactor Facilities, Version 1.3

REGDOC-1.1.1 establishes Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission requirements for site evaluation and preparation of new reactor facilities, including nuclear power plants and small modular reactors. Applicants must characterize sites, assess severe external events and multiple simultaneous accidents, and demonstrate adequate safety measures during site preparation and construction using a risk-informed, graded approach.

Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material

10 CFR Part 30 establishes NRC licensing requirements for domestic possession, production, transfer, and use of byproduct material, including accelerator-produced radioactive material and radium-226 sources. The regulation prescribes general applicability rules, defines licensed activities, and sets compliance deadlines for government agencies and Indian Tribes (2007–2009). It also subjects suppliers of components and services to enforcement action for violations.

Relocation

The Canadian Energy Regulator may order pipeline companies to relocate pipelines when necessary for safety, environmental protection, public infrastructure projects, or to prevent interference with drainage systems. The regulator determines cost allocation among parties, ensures procedural compliance with prior consultation requirements, and may award reasonable costs to regulatory proceeding participants.

Financial Guarantees for Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities and Termination of Licensed Activities

REGDOC-3.3.1 establishes requirements for applicants and licensees of Canadian nuclear facilities to establish and maintain financial guarantees ensuring sufficient funds for safe decommissioning and termination of licensed activities. The regulation applies to Class IA/IB nuclear facilities, uranium mines and mills, and waste nuclear substances licenses under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, superseding the 2000 guidance document G-206.

Role of the board of directors

Section 17 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the board of directors' governance role, requiring it to provide strategic direction and advice to the Regulator while being prohibited from influencing specific Commission decisions or recommendations. The board may establish bylaws for its operations, with quorum defined as a majority of directors including the Chairperson.

Authorization to continue

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 51, the Lead Commissioner may authorize a departing commissioner to continue exercising regulatory powers in assigned matters until final decisions are issued, subject to conditions specified by the Lead Commissioner.

Determining compensation

Section 169 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the Tribunal's procedure for determining compensation when amending a decision on reconsideration. The Tribunal must decide whether to award compensation for compensable damage claimed, calculate amounts per regulations accounting for prior payments, and may award authorized costs. Written notice must specify compensation awarded, cost determinations, regulatory reductions, and previously paid amounts.

Suspension or revocation

The Canadian Energy Regulator may suspend or revoke an authorization by order if the holder requests it, consents to it, or breaches a condition. Before revoking for breach, the regulator must provide written notice and opportunity to be heard.

Operations Programs for Reactor Facilities

REGDOC-2.3.4 establishes requirements and guidance for developing and implementing operations programs at nuclear reactor facilities, including conventional power plants, advanced reactors, and small modular reactors. Licensees may apply risk-informed and graded approaches proportional to facility risk profiles, based on operational experience and best practices from water-cooled reactors.

Jurisdiction

The Canadian Energy Regulator has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate non-compliance with the Act and authorization conditions, inquire into accidents involving pipelines, abandoned pipelines, international power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects, and issue findings, recommendations, and orders in the public interest.

Alternative dispute resolution

The Canadian Energy Regulator must provide alternative dispute resolution processes for disputes under the Act when all parties consent. Results are non-binding but may be considered by the Commission or designated officers in their decisions and may be made public with party consent.

NSTA looks back on year of achievement and ahead to the challenges to come

Standard Specifications for the Granting of Patent Licenses

This regulation establishes standard specifications for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to grant patent licenses on inventions vested in or controlled by the Commission under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It defines NRC inventions and foreign inventions, sets procedures for license applications and electronic communications, and specifies that only written interpretations by the General Counsel are binding on the Commission.

Authorization — report

Section 46 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Lead Commissioner to designate commissioners to report on Commission matters and applications. Authorized commissioners possess full investigatory and evidentiary powers for information gathering. Reports may be formally adopted as Commission decisions or handled otherwise as deemed appropriate.

Decision by Governor in Council

Section 186 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Governor in Council authority to issue binding orders on pipeline certificate applications following CER recommendations. The Governor may approve certificates with conditions, dismiss applications, or refer recommendations for reconsideration. Orders must include written reasons demonstrating consideration of relevant factors and be issued within 90 days (extendable). Orders are final, must be published in the Canada Gazette within 15 days, and the CER must comply within seven days.

Authorization — powers, duties and functions

The Lead Commissioner of the Canadian Energy Regulator may delegate regulatory powers, duties, and functions to commissioners, either jointly or individually, except for procedural, appellate, investigative, enforcement, and review matters under specified sections. Actions taken under delegation are deemed performed by the Commission itself.

Government energy and carbon storage expert recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Suspension of certificates

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may suspend energy certificates by order if the certificate holder requests suspension, consents to it, or breaches certificate conditions. Before suspending for non-compliance, the Commission must provide written notice and opportunity for the holder to respond.

Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material

10 CFR Part 70 establishes NRC procedures and criteria for issuing domestic licenses to receive, own, possess, use, and transfer special nuclear material. The regulation applies to all US persons and defines key licensing requirements, relevant definitions (acute exposure, alert conditions, atomic weapons), and references related rules for spent fuel storage, uranium enrichment facilities, and physical security.

Proof of financial responsibility

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 304, applicants for CER authorization must provide proof of financial responsibility (letter of credit, guarantee, indemnity bond, or other acceptable form). This proof must remain in force throughout the authorized activity. The Regulator may draw on these funds for eligible claims, with amounts recovered offset against subsequent legal liability awards.

Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) for Reactor Facilities, Version 2

REGDOC-2.4.2 Version 3 establishes requirements for probabilistic safety assessments (PSA) at Canadian reactor facilities including nuclear power plants, small reactors, and research reactors. Licensees must conduct systematic analyses demonstrating facility designs protect people and the environment from radiation, achieve balanced designs without disproportionate risk contributions, and prevent cliff-edge effects, using a graded approach aligned with IAEA standards.

Construction or operation

A person must obtain a permit under section 248 or a certificate under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act before constructing or operating an international or interprovincial power line that crosses navigable waters.

Delay of issuance

The Canadian Energy Regulator may recommend to the Minister that an electricity export application be designated by Governor in Council order and may delay permit issuance during this process. The Commission must avoid duplicating provincial measures, consider effects on other provinces, verify the applicant offered domestic buyers fair access to available electricity at comparable terms, and account for regulatory factors.

Licence Application Guide: Licence to operate a Nuclear Power Plant, Version 1.3

REGDOC-1.1.3 is the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's regulatory guide for licence applications to operate nuclear power plants in Canada. It establishes requirements and guidance using a risk-informed, graded approach, requiring applicants to demonstrate qualifications and adequate safety provisions. No fuel may be loaded until the CNSC grants an operating licence.

Variation or transfer of permits

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may vary or transfer permits issued under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act either on its own motion or upon application. When varying or transferring a permit, the Commission may impose new or modified conditions it deems necessary to advance the Act's purposes and provisions.

Reporting Requirements, Volume I: Non-Power Reactor Class I Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills, Version 1.1

REGDOC-3.1.2 establishes reporting requirements for Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licensees operating Class I non-power reactor facilities, uranium mines, and mills. Licensees must submit operational compliance reports, significant event notifications, and business activity notifications using a risk-graded approach. This document consolidates and replaces four prior regulatory documents governing uranium refining, fuel fabrication, and processing facility reporting.

Role of Chairperson

Section 19 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines the Chairperson's authority to preside over board meetings and perform assigned duties. The Vice-Chairperson may temporarily assume the role during absences but requires Governor in Council approval to act beyond 90 days.

Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions

10 CFR Part 51 establishes environmental protection regulations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's domestic licensing and regulatory functions. The regulations implement Section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and apply to NRC licensing proceedings for production, utilization, and materials facilities, excluding export licensing and foreign environmental effects. Key definitions include construction activities, previously disturbed areas, and NRC organizational roles.

Immediate right of entry

The Canadian Energy Regulator may issue orders granting companies immediate right of entry to lands following written application, provided landowners receive 30–60 days' advance notice detailing the entry purpose, application and access dates, regulator contact information for objections, and compensation advance details.

Replacement of commissioner during hearing

Procedural rule under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act allowing the Lead Commissioner to designate a replacement commissioner to continue hearings or render decisions if the assigned commissioner becomes unable to act or resigns during proceedings or between hearing conclusion and decision issuance.

Carbon Storage Operational Guidance

Licenses and Radiation Safety Requirements for Well Logging

10 CFR Part 39 establishes licensing and radiation safety requirements for the use of licensed materials—including sealed sources, radioactive tracers, markers, and uranium sinker bars—in well logging operations. The regulation prescribes definitions, operational requirements, supervisory standards, and compliance obligations for persons handling radioactive sources at temporary jobsites, including personal supervision, safety reviews, and cross-referenced NRC regulatory provisions.

Matters to be taken into account

The Canadian Energy Regulator must consider all written submissions and public hearing representations when approving pipeline construction plans, routes, and methods. The Regulator may approve sections where no submissions have been filed.

Measures to meet time limit

Section 42 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Lead Commissioner authority to take administrative measures to ensure prescribed time limits for energy applications are met, including removing or reassigning commissioners, adjusting panel composition, or designating a single commissioner to handle the application.

Publication of order

Orders issued by the Canadian Energy Regulator under sections 191 or 192 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act must be published in the Canada Gazette within 15 days of issuance.

Licence Application Guide: Licence to prepare Site for a Deep Geological Repository

REGDOC-1.2.3 is the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's licence application guide for entities seeking to obtain a licence to prepare sites for deep geological repositories (DGR) of radioactive waste. It establishes comprehensive requirements across management systems, radiation protection, safety analysis, environmental protection, waste management, security, and public engagement, applying a risk-proportionate graded approach throughout the DGR lifecycle and site preparation stages.

Operators' Licenses

10 CFR Part 55 establishes NRC procedures and criteria for issuing, maintaining, and renewing operator and senior operator licenses for nuclear utilization facilities. It defines license requirements, scope of applicability to individuals manipulating reactor controls or directing licensed activities, and sets forth key definitions including operators, senior operators, simulation facilities, and performance testing standards.

Show cause hearing relating to waste

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, the Commission holds show cause hearings on applications by the Chief Conservation Officer regarding waste in oil and gas pool recovery. If waste is found, the Commission may order gas collection, processing, reinjection schemes, or pool repressurizing/recycling, and may shut in non-compliant pools unless approved schemes are operational by specified dates.

Powers of liquidators, trustees, etc.

Section 5 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act expands the definition of 'company' for regulatory purposes to include liquidators, receivers, managers, and trustees authorized to operate businesses; persons operating pre-1953 pipelines or exempted pipelines; Quebec court-appointed administrators; and successors handling abandoned pipelines.

Reporting Requirements for Waste Nuclear Substance Licensees, Class II Nuclear Facilities and Users of Prescribed Equipment, Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices

REGDOC-3.1.3 establishes mandatory reporting requirements for Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licensees managing waste nuclear substances, Class II nuclear facilities, and users of prescribed equipment and radiation devices. Licensees must report events, dangerous occurrences and situations within specified timeframes and submit annual compliance reports, following a risk-informed approach aligned with national and international nuclear safety standards.

Offence and punishment

Section 379 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal offences and penalties for contraventions of the Act or regulations. Summary conviction carries fines up to $100,000 or one year imprisonment; indictable offence carries fines up to $1,000,000 or five years imprisonment. Due diligence is a defence. Corporate officers, directors, and agents who direct or participate in offences are liable. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offence.

Regulations — Governor in Council

Section 372 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Governor in Council to establish regulations governing the export licensing, movement, and inspection of designated oil and gas from Canada. The Regulator may prescribe license application requirements, validity periods, export quantities, inspection standards for related equipment and records, and measurement units for oil and gas transportation.

Limitation

Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 241 requires pipeline companies to obtain Commission approval before abandoning any pipeline. Companies must notify affected landowners and publish notices in local media. Mandatory public hearings apply if written opposition is filed unless withdrawn or deemed frivolous. The Commission may impose conditions on abandonment approvals, and companies remain liable for abandoned pipelines.

Effect of election

Section 260 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that filing an election under section 259 for international power lines prevents new permit issuance, converts pending applications to certificate applications, and revokes existing permits or certificates. Applicants or permit holders who file the election and are acquiring or leasing land become liable for all damages and reasonable costs incurred by landowners from abandonment of such acquisition or lease.

Regulations

The Canadian Energy Regulator may establish regulations designating contraventions of the CER Act, permits, orders, and conditions as enforceable violations subject to administrative penalties up to $25,000 for individuals and $100,000 for other persons. Regulations will specify penalty determination methods and service procedures.

Regulations — compensation

Section 173 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Governor in Council to establish regulations governing compensation for energy infrastructure incidents. Regulations may prescribe claim deadlines, authorize interim awards and fee/expense coverage, establish damage priority classes, set compensation caps, allow payment postponement or scheduling, and provide interest provisions. Environmental non-use value damages are explicitly excluded from compensable losses.