Alberta Premier Ralph Klein urged the Prime Minister Tuesday to reconsider his decision to ratify Kyoto agreement by the end of this year, threatening a constitutional challenge.

Mr. Klein also called on Jean Chrétien to convene a first ministers meeting shortly on the issue, warning that if he does not, a battle between anti-Kyoto provinces and Ottawa will ensue.

Please see: Kyoto high on caucus talks

The Premier spoke at an Edmonton press conference Tuesday in which he reacted to Mr. Chrétien's announcement Monday during an environmental summit in Johannesburg that he would sign the protocol by year-end.

Mr. Chrétien's decision has caused a firestorm in energy-producing Alberta.

The Alberta Premier even theorized on the issue of Alberta's separation from Canada over the issue, although he said it was, "not in the cards, but a constitutional challenge certainly is."

If the Liberals move to ratification, Alberta may look at its options, ranging from "legal and constitutional to political options," Mr. Klein said.

He argued that the federal government does not have the constitutional authority to implement treaties in areas of provincial jurisdiction. Natural resources fall under provincial jurisdiction.

Mr. Klein said he wants Mr. Chrétien to take the time to study the impact of Kyoto on all provinces.

Energy producers in Alberta are concerned that reducing emissions will cost them millions of dollars.

On Tuesday Mr. Klein wrote Mr. Chrétien a letter talking about the need for all of the provinces to have more information about the possible impact of Kyoto, which would require provinces to dramatically cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

"All we're looking for is an open debate on the plan," Mr. Klein said in Edmonton.

The letter says the Liberals' consultation has "not been either meaningful or open."

Groups such as the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters added their voices Tuesday to Mr. Klein's demand for more consultation before Kyoto is ratified.

Canadian Alliance environmental critic Bob Mills said the Prime Minister's decision prior to consultations made a "mockery" of the talks. The Alberta Premier also has the support of British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell. Mr. Campbell said Tuesday he wants more information on the effects of the controversial treaty before any further action is taken.

Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert also wants Ottawa to reveal what economic impact the deal would have.

Mr. Klein acknowledged he would not have the support of either Manitoba or Quebec. Both provinces have come out strongly in favour of ratification.

He said he would be speaking with Ontario Premier Ernie Eves in the next few days.

"He needs to be up-to-speed as to what this could mean for Ontario," Mr. Klein said.

In the coming weeks, Mr. Klein plans to gather together a group of Alberta advisers to "examine the approach we're going to take."

He said Canadians need more information on the economic impact of Kyoto, because the discrepancy between what environmental groups say and energy producers' opinions is so great.