Latest news with #EnvironmentalAssessmentOffice
National Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- National Observer
BC green lights LNG pipeline, with no need for new environmental assessment
The British Columbia government says a decade-old environmental assessment certificate remains valid for the construction of a natural gas pipeline in northern BC, in a decision opposed by the province's Green Party and environmental groups. The Environmental Assessment Office says it has determined the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline has "substantially started," fulfilling a requirement of the 2014 certificate and allowing the project to proceed without a new assessment. The original approval was for a roughly 900-kilometre pipeline between Hudson's Hope in northeastern BC and Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, the site of a liquefied natural gas processing facility that has since been cancelled. The pipeline was purchased by the Nisga'a Nation and Texas-based Western LNG last year to supply natural gas to the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG facility, a project the province says is still undergoing environmental assessment. The province says the office is also reviewing requests by the proponent to change the pipeline route, including shifting its end point to the Ksi Lisims facility and rerouting the eastern portion of the pipeline. The BC Greens say in a statement that upholding the original certificate is "reckless," prioritizing the project's American financial backers over Indigenous rights, environmental protection and community well-being. "It's outrageous that the government is allowing construction to proceed with no approved terminus, using an outdated plan, and threatening one of the province's most sensitive salmon habitats, all to serve the interests of foreign-owned fossil fuel companies," the Greens' interim leader, Jeremy Valeriote, says in the statement. "This is a betrayal of environmental stewardship, Indigenous rights, and a threat to sustained climate action in this province," Valeriote says. The pipeline is partly financed by the US private equity firm Blackstone, which the Greens described as a major Republican donor with ties to US President Donald Trump. The Greens' statement also noted that the US engineering and construction company Bechtel had been selected to construct the pipeline. Western LNG called the substantially started ruling "a significant milestone in the path toward delivering responsible, Indigenous-led energy infrastructure" in BC. Eva Clayton, president of the Nisga'a Lisims Government, says in a statement released by Western LNG that the ruling was "an important step — not just for (the pipeline), but for the Nisga'a Nation's vision of self-determination and long-term prosperity." The project is opposed by the nearby Lax Kw'alaams Band and Ts'msyen hereditary chiefs, who the Greens say claim jurisdiction over Pearse Island, the site of the proposed Ksi Lisims terminal. Gitanyow hereditary chiefs have also opposed the project based on concerns over Nass River salmon, the Greens add. Thursday's statement from the province says the Environmental Assessment Office began its review last November in order to make a determination of whether the project had been "substantially started" within the 10-year deadline. It says the office looked at construction and other activities by the proponent up to the deadline of Nov. 25, 2024, and found the condition was met. The review included a field assessment of the project, documentation from the pipeline proponent and "information from First Nations, Gitanyow hereditary chiefs, Gitxsan Wilps and members of the public," the statement says. The Greens' statement says construction activities moved ahead last summer on a portion of the pipeline's right-of-way in order to avoid expiry of the original permit. The environmental group also issued a statement calling the decision to uphold the decade-old certificate as a "slap in the face" of BC's climate plan. The decision follows the release of BC's climate accountability report, which showed the province is already set to miss its climate targets, the group says.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. gives green light to LNG pipeline, with no need for new environmental assessment
The British Columbia government says a decade-old environmental assessment certificate remains valid for the construction of a natural gas pipeline in northern B.C., in a decision opposed by the province's Green Party and environmental groups. The Environmental Assessment Office says it has determined the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline has 'substantially started,' fulfilling a requirement of the 2014 certificate and allowing the project to proceed without a new assessment. The original approval was for a roughly 900-kilometre pipeline between Hudson's Hope in northeastern B.C. and Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, the site of a liquefied natural gas processing facility that has since been cancelled. The pipeline was purchased by the Nisga'a Nation and Texas-based Western LNG last year to supply natural gas to the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG facility, a project the province says is still undergoing environmental assessment. The province says the office is also reviewing requests by the proponent to change the pipeline route, including shifting its end point to the Ksi Lisims facility and rerouting the eastern portion of the pipeline. The BC Greens say in a statement that upholding the original certificate is 'reckless,' prioritizing the project's American financial backers over Indigenous rights, environmental protection and community well-being. 'It's outrageous that the government is allowing construction to proceed with no approved terminus, using an outdated plan, and threatening one of the province's most sensitive salmon habitats, all to serve the interests of foreign-owned fossil fuel companies,' the Greens' interim leader, Jeremy Valeriote, says in the statement. 'This is a betrayal of environmental stewardship, Indigenous rights, and a threat to sustained climate action in this province,' Valeriote says. The pipeline is partly financed by the U.S. private equity firm Blackstone, which the Greens described as a major Republican donor with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Greens' statement also noted that the U.S. engineering and construction company Bechtel had been selected to construct the pipeline. Western LNG called the substantially started ruling 'a significant milestone in the path toward delivering responsible, Indigenous-led energy infrastructure' in B.C. Eva Clayton, president of the Nisga'a Lisims Government, says in a statement released by Western LNG that the ruling was 'an important step — not just for (the pipeline), but for the Nisga'a Nation's vision of self-determination and long-term prosperity.' The project is opposed by the nearby Lax Kw'alaams Band and Ts'msyen hereditary chiefs, who the Greens say claim jurisdiction over Pearse Island, the site of the proposed Ksi Lisims terminal. Gitanyow hereditary chiefs have also opposed the project based on concerns over Nass River salmon, the Greens add. Thursday's statement from the province says the Environmental Assessment Office began its review last November in order to make a determination of whether the project had been 'substantially started' within the 10-year deadline. It says the office looked at construction and other activities by the proponent up to the deadline of Nov. 25, 2024, and found the condition was met. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. The review included a field assessment of the project, documentation from the pipeline proponent and 'information from First Nations, Gitanyow hereditary chiefs, Gitxsan Wilps and members of the public,' the statement says. The Greens' statement says construction activities moved ahead last summer on a portion of the pipeline's right-of-way in order to avoid expiry of the original permit. The environmental group also issued a statement calling the decision to uphold the decade-old certificate as a 'slap in the face' of B.C.'s climate plan. The decision follows the release of B.C.'s climate accountability report, which showed the province is already set to miss its climate targets, the group says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
B.C. gives green light to LNG pipeline, with no need for new environmental assessment
The British Columbia government says a decade-old environmental assessment certificate remains valid for the construction of a natural gas pipeline in northern B.C., in a decision opposed by the province's Green Party and environmental groups. The Environmental Assessment Office says it has determined the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline has "substantially started," fulfilling a requirement of the 2014 certificate and allowing the project to proceed without a new assessment. The original approval was for a roughly 900-kilometre pipeline between Hudson's Hope in northeastern B.C. and Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, the site of a liquefied natural gas processing facility that has since been cancelled. The pipeline was purchased by the Nisga'a Nation and Texas-based Western LNG last year to supply natural gas to the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG facility, a project the province says is still undergoing environmental assessment. The province says the office is also reviewing requests by the proponent to change the pipeline route, including shifting its end point to the Ksi Lisims facility and rerouting the eastern portion of the pipeline. The BC Greens say in a statement that upholding the original certificate is "reckless," prioritizing the project's American financial backers over Indigenous rights, environmental protection and community well-being. "It's outrageous that the government is allowing construction to proceed with no approved terminus, using an outdated plan, and threatening one of the province's most sensitive salmon habitats, all to serve the interests of foreign-owned fossil fuel companies," the Greens' interim leader, Jeremy Valeriote, says in the statement. "This is a betrayal of environmental stewardship, Indigenous rights, and a threat to sustained climate action in this province," Valeriote says. The pipeline is partly financed by the U.S. private equity firm Blackstone, which the Greens described as a major Republican donor with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Greens' statement also noted that the U.S. engineering and construction company Bechtel had been selected to construct the pipeline. Western LNG called the substantially started ruling "a significant milestone in the path toward delivering responsible, Indigenous-led energy infrastructure" in B.C. Eva Clayton, president of the Nisga'a Lisims Government, says in a statement released by Western LNG that the ruling was "an important step — not just for (the pipeline), but for the Nisga'a Nation's vision of self-determination and long-term prosperity." The project is opposed by the nearby Lax Kw'alaams Band and Ts'msyen hereditary chiefs, who the Greens say claim jurisdiction over Pearse Island, the site of the proposed Ksi Lisims terminal. Gitanyow hereditary chiefs have also opposed the project based on concerns over Nass River salmon, the Greens add. Thursday's statement from the province says the Environmental Assessment Office began its review last November in order to make a determination of whether the project had been "substantially started" within the 10-year deadline. It says the office looked at construction and other activities by the proponent up to the deadline of Nov. 25, 2024, and found the condition was met. The review included a field assessment of the project, documentation from the pipeline proponent and "information from First Nations, Gitanyow hereditary chiefs, Gitxsan Wilps and members of the public," the statement says. The Greens' statement says construction activities moved ahead last summer on a portion of the pipeline's right-of-way in order to avoid expiry of the original permit. The environmental group also issued a statement calling the decision to uphold the decade-old certificate as a "slap in the face" of B.C.'s climate plan. The decision follows the release of B.C.'s climate accountability report, which showed the province is already set to miss its climate targets, the group says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadian regulator says Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline project has started
(Reuters) -British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Office has determined that work on the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission natural gas pipeline project has been substantially started, the provincial government said on Thursday. The decision means a 2014 environmental assessment certificate for the project will remain in effect indefinitely, unless suspended or cancelled under the Environmental Assessment Act, the B.C. government said in a press release. The 900-kilometre PRGT project will run from Hudson's Hope in northeastern B.C. to Lelu Island near Prince Rupert on Canada's Pacific Coast. It was acquired from TC Energy by the Nisga'a First Nation and the Western LNG in March 2024 to supply natural gas to the proposed 12 million tonneS per annum Ksi Lisims liquefied natural facility. The 2014 environmental assessment certificate required that the project show substantial progress by November 25, 2024. The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office launched a review process late last year to examine whether work had started, considering site inspections, documentation from PRGT and input from local First Nations. The government statement said compliance and enforcement officers will continue to monitor the PRGT project throughout construction and operation to ensure it meets all environmental requirements. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
04-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
B.C. company wants to open $300M made-in-Canada sand mine to fuel anticipated fracking, LNG boom
Social Sharing A B.C.-based company wants to open a sand mine north of Prince George to provide a made-in-Canada solution to an anticipated boost in liquefied natural gas production. Vitero Minerals' proposed silica sand mine, about 60 kilometres north of the city, near Bear Lake, would produce sand used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to prop open the fractures that are created during crude oil and natural gas extraction. Right now, the company says, most of that sand is imported from Wisconsin, but amid a "Buy Canadian" movement, CEO Scott Broughton believes that should apply to the industrial sector, as well. "We should make that locally. We should capture that market," he said while speaking at the Minerals North conference held in Prince George this week. WATCH | Rush to develop B.C.'s liquefied natural gas industry: Trade war fires up the race to export Canada's natural gas 11 days ago Duration 8:30 Global trade instability has accelerated the push to export Canada's liquefied natural gas, but as CBC's Lyndsay Duncombe explains, that boost is also sparking concern that the industry could move too fast, putting climate and communities at risk. Broughton said the project has an estimated value of $300 million and would include an industrial mine, quarry and finishing plant and provide approximately 150 ongoing jobs, while vice-president of operations Cullen McCormick characterized it as a "glorified sand and gravel pit" in terms of appearance and process. B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office is currently seeking public feedback on the project and will be hosting an open house at the Bear Lake Community Hall on May 13, but the proposal comes as the province is promising to fast-track select new industrial developments — and as conservation groups are sounding the alarm about B.C. falling behind on its environmental goals amid the rush to diversify the economy away from the United States. Push for development If it moves forward, sand from the mine would be sold into the Montney oil and gas basin bordering northeast B.C. and Alberta, where industry is anticipating increased demand as the LNG Canada facility comes online in Kitimat, on B.C.'s North Coast, later this year. That project will take gas shipped by pipeline from near Dawson Creek, B.C. and cool it for storage and export to Asian markets overseas. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been identified by both the federal and provincial governments as a key way to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States as a market for energy exports amid a trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of economic annexation. And it's not alone: there are five potential LNG projects in British Columbia at various stages of approval, and the province's NDP government has promised to move quickly to get them through the queue. But while advocates for the industry say LNG is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel in the world and helps replace emissions worldwide, critics point out that its production is resource-intensive and argue it is contributing to, rather than mitigating, the climate crisis. Climate concerns from LNG, fracking Dr. Melissa Lem, a family physician and president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, has spoken out against the expansion of the LNG industry, saying that increasing demand for fracking worsens health outcomes by increasing emissions. "Producing and burning fossil fuels have serious human health implications, especially for those living near fracking and LNG infrastructure," she said in a statement. "Expanding LNG exports ties B.C. to a volatile, polluting industry [and] will drive up health-care costs, insurance rates and the cost of living while worsening health, air and water quality, and climate impacts." In its own Climate Change Accountability report released this week, the province conceded that it is not on track to meet its own targets for cutting emissions, anticipating an emissions decrease of 20 per cent below 2007 levels by 2030, as opposed to its goal of 40 per cent. The largest source of emissions is transport, specifically road travel, followed by the industrial sector, including oil and gas. Though the report indicates the industry has managed to reduce the intensity of emissions, it also shows spikes associated with an increase in gas extraction, driven in part by the expansion of the LNG industry. Speaking to reporters this week, Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said it was clear the province was not on track in its goals, but touted the overall emissions reductions seen in the report and promised to bring new clean energy projects powered by renewable sources online. Government needs to make 'hard decisions': B.C. Greens The B.C. Green Party, however, criticized the response, arguing the NDP has been focused on getting headlines by announcing new resource projects instead of making "hard decisions" needed to tackle climate change. "Investments in clean energy projects won't get us back on track when their purpose is to power oil and gas extraction for export," Interim Leader Jeremy Valeriote said in a statement, referencing reports that new electricity projects could go toward powering LNG production facilities. Hazel Thayer, a content creator focused on climate change based in Victoria, told CBC's All Points West this week that she's been frustrated to see concerns about the environment take a back seat to industrial development during the current political moment, referencing the lack of discussion around emissions during the recent federal election. "It was sort of an argument of who likes pipelines more," she said. B.C. speeding up approvals Meanwhile, on Thursday B.C. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma said the province would be introducing new legislation that would speed up major public and private projects, including mines and other natural resource enterprises. Ma says the legislation gives cabinet the power to designate projects as significant on a case-by-case basis, and that they could originate from Crown corporations, local governments, First Nations or the private sector. The minister says the legislation will speed up permitting through an alternative environmental assessment process and other streamlining tools, promising that none of these will change the quality of assessment or obligations to First Nations under the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As for the current proposal north of Prince George, the proposal is still in the early stages of development, but McCormick said as long as fracking and LNG development are happening in Canada, it should create as many local jobs as possible.
