Sign in

Mark Dorin

@markdorin.bsky.social
781 followers 324 following 262 posts

Alberta land rights advocate. I specialize in oil and gas regulatory, public safety and surface rights issues, including urban land. Orphan well and unfunded liabilities dude. Vice Chair Polluter Pay Federation. New C4RE Coalition member.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Clean Up Your Mess Alberta @cuym-alberta.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We started the Clean Up Your Mess campaign last year to hold the #oilandgas industry accountable for their own cleanup. As a provincial election draws closer, the #Alberta government is STILL trying to download tens of billions of dollars in cleanup costs onto taxpayers.
45733
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What’s wrong with this picture?
252
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The Hon minister Brian Jean regularly and publicly expresses confidence in the AER. But is such confidence mirrored by the public including host landowners? There’s an overwhelming vote of non confidence out here in the real world. I suggest it’s time to finally address it. 4/n
020
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
AER Proceeding ID 470 is at a point where oversight Minister Hon Brian and his chief of staff Vitor Marciano should be paying attention - perhaps recommending to Cabinet that a public inquiry might be needed to shed some sunlight on error coverup issues at the AER. 3/n
131
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Find the AER’s “Hearing - Public Record System” Tool on AER website. Or Google “AER Proceeding Search”. Read the written pre-hearing submissions (Exhibits) in Proceeding ID 470, which is at the pre-hearing stage of decision on the controversial matter of participatory status. 2/n
110
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Interested in how the Alberta Energy Regulator conducts its business, in particular extremely rare hearings? Want to find out what happens when the AER, which understandably is not infallible, makes a reviewable error? Follow AERcProceeding ID 470. How to follow next post.⬇️. 1/n
132
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Question for Albertans: ❓Would you give the Alberta government or an oil company full access to your bank accounts❓ If you condone underfunding of the orphan levy, that’s what you have effectively done. That’s why friends, colleagues I took action and went public:
063
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
In what I do, the following question constantly arises: ❓Has there been tortious deliberate misconduct by a public official (usually an employee of the Alberta Energy Regulator or one of its oversight ministries)❓ Lawyers pls weigh in. The court: test for the tort of abuse of public office:
031
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What does who one voted for remotely have to do with observance of the rule of law?
100
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Find out what our court action challenging the Alberta Energy Regulator’s orphan levy decision is all about and why it affects every Albertan by visiting the Ecojustice (our lawyers’) website. Please donate if you can! share.google/OHQeubBN4Ou2...
share.google
Landowners in court over orphan well cleanup failure
Ecojustice is representing Albertan landowners who are taking the Alberta Energy Regulator to court for failing to properly fund orphan well cleanup
1107
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
An informative discussion about Alberta’s low oil & gas royalty rates and how 60% of benefits from royalties since 1970 could be wiped out if we fail to make Polluters Pay for cleanup (their plan possibly shared by governments): cjsw.com/program/the-pa…
cjsw.com
021
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
If the Alberta Energy Regulator does not properly capitalize the orphan fund (with industry dollars) the massive bill, hundreds of billions of $, will fall to you Albertans. So we took action.
031
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
It’s possible to responsibly develop oil and gas without harming other landowners and stakeholders. When they are actually harmed, the oil company must compensate. Simple concepts increasingly ignored in lawless Alberta. #AERReform youtu.be/e8VFqQXxvwE?si… via @YouTube
youtu.be
The Smiths’ Story: Alberta Ranchers Speak Out About Losing Farm After Fracking Company Moves In
YouTube video by Ecojustice Canada
0106
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I would sue. Tort of nuisance.
010
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
This a teaser for a longer video to be released on Monday - the Smiths near Rimbey, Alberta (I represented them in failed attempts to have the Regulator and their county mitigate their massive losses. One of several landowner stories being told by Ecojustice. youtu.be/Vn4ODpwKKU4
youtu.be
TEASER: The Smiths’ Story: Albertans Speak Out About Losing Farm After Fracking Company Moves In
YouTube video by Ecojustice Canada
01110
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
“There is a real sense that landowners have been abandoned in favour of oil and gas.” “The problem with the Alberta Energy Regulator is there’s very little oversight right now,” Accurate statements by @drewanderson.bsky.social for the @thenarwhal.ca share.google/z1zmfxOtsleD...
share.google
Alberta landowners fight fracking’s water use | The Narwhal
Landowners near Rimbey, Alta., are ringing alarm bells about oil and gas companies using billions of litres of fresh water for fracking
0129
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Thinking about Redwater oilfield this morning. These logos impacted my life. Serious landowner problems to solve in one of Alberta’s foremost and richest oilfields. If we can’t clean up at operator expense where the big $ were made, landowners and taxpayers are doomed.
265
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Some knowledgeable Albertans on Alberta’s so-called Mature Asst Strategy. Unprofitable wells are no longer assets - they are liabilities that the licensee or the industry as a whole (via the orphan fund), not the public, is responsible for.
01616
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Two causes near and dear to my heart. My great grandparents and great uncles homesteaded near Big Hill Springs and used to visit there (have photos from early 20th century). I have opposed MAS all over Alberta in town halls and other events. Thanks for this!
111
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Rob Morgan of the Alberta Energy Regulator should either 1. identify statements of concern he believes were filed for nefarious purposes; or, 2 resign (or be fired) if he can’t back up his claim.
0186
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
The Proceeding ID 375 hearing panel conditionally approved two new pipelines requiring licences and two free-standing liners in existing pipelines (requiring amendments to existing licences). The AER never issued or amended any licences. Approved routes not followed. Many other errors made. 2/2
000
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Hard to gain experience presiding over rare to nonexistent hearings at the AER, so I feel the attractive pay must be for something other than experience. The outcome of the (incomplete) AER hearing I’ve studied the most (Proceeding ID 375) was circumvented. It may as well not have occurred. ../2
110
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
As one who Vitor followed around the province (recently I get asked to follow him in speaking engagements, tables have turned), I wouldn’t take much of what he says too seriously. He also said landowners yell at the premier in regular face to face meetings, which is confirmed BS on two fronts. 🤷‍♂️
000
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Here’s what Energy Chief of staff Vitor Marciano had to say about your blog post: “Nigel has a few points in his analysis wrong. ENGOs are now in the same box as Energy Industry Associations. They are generally not eligible for costs but they can ask for costs in specific cases.”
120
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Well explained, fun way to understand Alberta’s biggest financial, health and environmental crises. youtu.be/37qKJLuOcKY?...
youtu.be
Alberta's $320 Billion Time Bomb 💣 | The Goose Media 🇨🇦
YouTube video by The Goose
032
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Phillip Meintzer @phillipmeintzer.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Statement from the Coalition for Responsible Energy (C4RE): AB-CAD Agreement Increases Taxpayer Risk, Ignores Cleanup Problem drive.google.com/file/d/1Xpny... @cuym-alberta.bsky.social #ABLeg #ABPoli #CDNPoli
087
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Clean Up Your Mess Alberta @cuym-alberta.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
We had a great time at the Public Interest Alberta Conference this weekend, sharing our campaign's story and how we're building a broad coalition across the political spectrum to stop the runaway unreclaimed well issue 💪
063
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
As per Alberta Energy Regulator Suspension Order 202604-009 MAGA Energy was to safely shut in all its wells, facilities & pipelines. As at May 9 after the deadline Edmonton Armisie Field wells are shut down, but are not yet left in safe or legally condition. Now what I ask of our regulator?
095
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Another Clean Up Your Mess Presentation in Edmonton at the Public Interest Conference today. Say no to the Alberta Mature Asset Strategy. @CUYM-alberta.bluesky.social
072
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Clean Up Your Mess Town Hall in Provost on April 22 (I hosted) made the front page of the Provost News! We explained the negative health aspects of regulatory non-compliant oil & gas operations and the drawbacks and dangers of the “Mature Asset Strategy”.
076
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
⬇️Armisie No. 2 oil well drilled in 1951. Armise Field & Oil Company named after the mineral/surface owner wife of Edmonton Mayor George S.S. Armstrong (Jessie Armstrong). These wells had many owners that paid royalties to Armstrongs, but did MAGA? share.google/tmvMQIY3BnuI...
share.google
Alberta Energy Regulator orders MAGA Energy to suspend operations over ‘failure to meet its commitments’ | CBC News
The Alberta Energy Regulator has ordered oil and gas firm MAGA Energy Ltd. to suspend its operations over unresolved environmental concerns and non-compliance issues, including unpaid taxes.
045
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
When the @AER_news belatedly orders a rare suspension (shut down) of the entirety of a company’s operations, you can safely bet the company has been VERY bad for a LONG time as reported by the @thenarwhalca and others. share.google/a6xYEgRJEbLY...
062
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Phillip Meintzer @phillipmeintzer.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
More here: thenarwhal.ca/alberta-maga... #ABLeg #ABPoli #CDNPoli
thenarwhal.ca
Alberta Energy Regulator suspends MAGA Energy | The Narwhal
The order comes just 18 months after approving the regulator approved the company’s takeover of 170 oil and gas wells
0139
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Edmonton will be safer because of this order. However, we still need an abandonment order for three Armisie Field wells licenced by MAGA and the facility with licence F-20254 held by Tidewater.
010
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Phillip Meintzer @phillipmeintzer.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Yet again, the AER is making decisions that put the profit margins of oil and gas companies before the interests of ordinary Albertans and the land that we depend on. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ABLeg #ABPoli #CDNPoli #YYC #YEG @cuym-alberta.bsky.social
calgaryherald.com
Opinion: Public costs grow with latest cleanup fee for orphan wells
AER is making decisions that put profit margins of oil and gas companies before the interests of Albertans and the land we depend on.
32521
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Very well written op-ed indeed!
020
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Phillip Meintzer @phillipmeintzer.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
More on Alberta's growing orphan well crisis: "Alberta Landowners Mad as H*ll About No Pipeline Reclamations" www.youtube.com/watch?v=49_0... @markhamhislop.bsky.social @markdorin.bsky.social @energimedia.bsky.social #ABLeg #ABPoli #CDNPoli
youtube.com
Alberta Landowners Mad as H*ll About No Pipeline Reclamations
YouTube video by Energi Media
11814
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Perfect. Time. To. Top. Up. Alberta’s. Orphan. Fund. Levy. 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 It’s short by at least $1.6 billion. Industry can afford it and it’s the law. Taxpayers can’t afford not to insist on it. www.reuters.com/business/ene...
reuters.com
Canada oil and gas profits to surge on Iran war, but firms hold off new investment
Canadian oil and ​gas producers anticipate sharply higher profits in 2026 as prices surge due to the Iran war but will ‌channel those earnings back to shareholders rather than invest in major new capi...
02311
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Drew Yewchuk @drewyewchuk.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Bankes and Tienhaara provide great coverage of both the specific local question of Northback's Grassy Mountain lawsuit against Canada, and a general summary of the problem with Investor-state Dispute Settlement processes. Albertans should be aware of both.
078
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
A Substack about the huge problem of Alberta pipeline right-of-ways not being cleaned up with full use of the land not being returned to the registered landowner certified as reclaimed. This applies to all pipelines not just those without a licensee. share.google/ih32anlOGPxfOO…
share.google
share.google
045
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
The Bulletin announcement should read that CONTRARY to Part 11 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act the AER announces a grossly insufficient orphan fund levy.
020
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Thanks. Valente is correct.
110
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
At Alberta Surface Rights Federation, issues of Land and Property Rights Tribunal members salary, quantity of decisions and impartiality arose. Govt. Rep Vitor Marciano announced the Tribunal will be remade in a controversial fashion. Supreme Court guidance: decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-cs…
263
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Alberta Talks @albertatalks.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Tell your MLA to stop the government’s billion dollar giveaway to the oil and gas industry and say no to the Mature Asset Strategy. albertatalks.ca/no-mas/
Image of Alberta's Premier in front of an image of money with text reading: "Oil & gas corporations in Alberta are raking in record profits. The government wants YOU to pay to clean up their mess."
01610
Reposted by Mark Dorin
Clean Up Your Mess Alberta @cuym-alberta.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
See you there!
051
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Let’s count the ways we are subsidizing a broke Alberta conventional oil industry. 1. Don’t have to pay municipal tax. 2. Citizens pay landowners for them. 3. C-Star royalty holiday (free oil) until well drilling and fracking costs recovered. 4. (Add by comment) www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/alb...
ctvnews.ca
Landowner says it’s unfair Alberta taxpayers are ultimately on hook to pay for orphaned oil wells
A central Alberta landowner is frustrated with what he calls the province’s plans to dump unpaid oil-and-gas property taxes onto taxpayers.
22111
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Received help from friends last week including @ryanjespersen.bsky.social to bring attention to the fact that oil companies are trespassing - illegally using lands they don’t own to produce mere drops of oil. Turns out the well site this rig is on probably isn’t leased either. Where’s the AER?
042
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Problems related to deadbeat oil and gas companies result many from the fact that, contrary to what some say, we don’t have a “world class regulator” administering Alberta oil and gas / coal laws.
142
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
I’ve had enough of deadbeat oil companies, Alberta Energy Minister chirping me and his wayward Alberta Energy Regulator youtu.be/QMo1a9huZCo?...
youtu.be
Mark Dorin Has Had Enough of Deadbeat Oil Company, Brian Jean, Alberta Regulator
YouTube video by Energi Media
033
Mark Dorin @markdorin.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
We need Alberta Energy Regularly reform. Appointing puppets like David Yager to its board of directors &?calling him an expert (he has no regulatory or admin law background) isn’t going to do it. We have to face up to the fact that Alberta’s premier supports illegal oil & gas over land rights.
031