VICTORIA – A recent proposal by the British Columbia government to create a second regulatory phase to deal with potential oil and gas spills has industry proponents of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline project gravely concerned, calling the move a major roadblock.
The B.C. government is establishing an advisory panel to examine if heavy oils can be safely transported through the province, or cleaned up if spilled. Until that panel has released their recommendations to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the first phase of regulations approved in October 2017 will restrict the increase of diluted bitumen transportation by pipeline or rail, in effect putting the brakes on Trans Mountain expansion.
“This is a landmark project for Canada that was allowed to proceed with 157 conditions, the approval of the NEB (National Energy Board) and three levels of government,” Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) BC regional director Rieghardt van Enter said in a statement.
“What kind of system do we have when the best scientific, technical evidence and the rule of law are continuously undermined?”
Van Enter added the Trans Mountain project had undergone a three-year regulatory process and science and safety review and urged other governments and interest groups to join the PCA in opposing the B.C. government decision.
“Canada’s energy producers already adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards. Pipelines are critical to Canada’s energy development and economy. Thwarting the transportation of Western Canada’s oil to global energy markets is not in the best interests of British Columbians or Canadians,” van Enter added.
Both Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr have expressed opposition to the B.C. decision, as has incoming Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
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