The Pacific NorthWest LNG pipeline is one step closer to becoming a reality.
On Wednesday, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced the Federal Cabinet's decision to approve the $11 billion Pacific NorthWest LNG Project.
The project is subject to over 190 legally binding conditions to lessen the environmental impacts including negative effects on fish, wetlands, birds and human health.
"The only way to get resources to market in the twenty-first century is if they can be done in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said McKenna. “This decision reflects this objective.
“With the legally binding conditions we are putting in place and with British Columbia's commitment to increase its price on carbon in line with the Pan Canadian Framework, I am confident that we will minimize the environmental impacts of the project and ensure that it proceeds in the most sustainable manner possible."
The compliance and enforcement regime for the project was put in place by environmental monitoring committees with Indigenous people, and federal and provincial representatives.
The Government of Canada said they took in Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency took in public input, receiving over 34,000 comments. Some people were concerned about the effects on fish, greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on Indigenous rights and title. Those in support said it would have a positive economic impact and create jobs, according to the Government of Canada, about 4,500.
“As the largest capital investment proposal in British Columbia’s history, Pacific NorthWest LNG represents an unprecedented opportunity to create thousands of jobs and new economic prospects for First Nations and communities throughout our province,” said B.C. Premier Christy Clark. “At home, B.C.’s Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act will ensure Pacific NorthWest LNG will operate as one of the cleanest facilities in the world.
“On a global scale, it will export the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel to Asia and displace other forms of dirty energy, thereby creating a significant reduction in global emissions.”
With approval from both the federal and provincial government, Pacific NorthWest LNG will now take the time to assess the conditions that accompany the federal approval.
Leader of the BC Green Party Andrew Weaver said he was very disappointed in the decision for approval.
“In an initial review of the conditions provided, I am confident that the Federal government is not living up to its own rhetoric about taking climate change seriously,” said Weaver. “This project represents one of the single biggest sources of carbon pollution in the country.
“What’s worse, is that it sends the wrong message to the international community about Canada’s commitment to its international obligations.”
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