The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, May 14, edition that Alberta's energy sector is getting a regulatory overhaul as the province aims to improve its environmental reputation. The Globe's Carrie Tait writes that Alberta has faced criticism for its environmental regulations, penalties and enforcement rules. Opponents of the oil sands argue the province has weak policies and that development of future projects, including pipelines crucial for expanding Canada's energy industry, should be blocked. They are lined up against TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline, Enbridge's proposed Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline. The regulatory makeover faces numerous challenges. The government is folding all regulatory powers into one entity, dubbed the Alberta Energy Regulator. The new organization must prove itself superior to the old system, demonstrate its new tougher fines will make a difference in behaviour in the oil patch and remain independent. The transition should take about a year. The Energy Resources Conservation Board will disappear and regulatory powers within provincial departments will be transferred to the Alberta Energy Regulator in June.