In September of 1998, in conjunction with regional stakeholders and other regulators, Alberta Environment led the creation of the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy (RSDS) for the Athabasca Oil Sands Area. The Strategy was based on the anticipation of greater than $12 billion of worth of new capital investments in the oil sands region. The strategy was provided to the Deputy Minister of Alberta Environment on July 31, 1999.

RSDS identified 72 issues in the oil sands region. Issues were divided into a list of 14 themes and three priority categories. Some recommendations are being addressed through the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA), others by the provincial government.

CEMA has adopted a five-year strategic plan, which deals with 37 of the original 72 issues identified in RSDS. Many of the other 35 issues do not fall under mandate of CEMA and are thus being addressed by existing government mandate or other regional initiatives.

CEMA is governed by 50 members, representing, all levels of government, industry, regulatory bodies, environmental groups, Aboriginal groups and the local health authority.