Stelmach predicted that the oil sands will soon be clean enough for any green-fuel standards the U.S. government might impose, the Edmonton Journal said.

"I'm confident that by the time the regulations are put in place, we will meet or exceed the regulations that are put in place by the United States," Stelmach said.

Activists in California may begin penalizing Alberta oil exports because oil sands production emits greenhouse gases.

But Stelmach said there's new technology, like carbon dioxide sequestration, that will help oil sands meet California and U.S. federal standards.

The tar sands traditionally use vast amounts of water and land, and emit tons of greenhouse gases; Canada is set to triple its oil sands production by 2016.

"Even if we're to shut it down completely and not export the 1.25 million barrels to the United States, where would the oil come from?" Stelmach asked. "And if it be shut down, it's one-tenth of 1 percent (of global carbon-dioxide emissions)."