In 2010, Alberta passed Bill 24 the Carbon Capture and Storage Statutes Amendment Act. This unprecedented Act has created a whole new level of uncertainty when it comes to Albertans' property rights.

Bill 24 decreed that all 'pore space' beneath the ground now belongs to the government. This is all a part of the province's misguided and ill-fated Carbon Capture and Storage Initiative - which will cost Albertan taxpayers billions of dollars when all is said and done.

Again, Albertans deserve clearly worded legislation when it comes to property rights. No one should fear the unexpected expropriation of their property - but this can be the result when imprecise or vague wording is used in important legislation. Bill 24 relies upon this type of vague language when it describes 'pore space' as any spaces beneath the ground where CO2 can be stored.

According to common law tradition, a landowner's ownership extends to the centre of the earth - but this is no longer the case. Albertans understand the importance of resource and mineral ownership - and it seems that the government has clearly over-stepped its bounds. This legislation provides for no concrete compensation mechanisms for property owners.

There is also no proof that Bill 24 will help the province reduce its carbon footprint - yet, it seems taxpayer dollars will be committed to carbon storage even without such evidence. What is more, such carbon storage technology has not been perfected. Taxpayers will also, of course, foot the bill for any upgrades and will remain on the hook indefinitely. Property owners and taxpayers are both getting a raw deal from Bill 24.