Latest news with #SteveCrocker
CBC
12 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Newfoundland's offshore natural gas assessment results a 'significant milestone,' says minister
A new assessment of natural gas off Newfoundland's coast shows economic promise, says Energy Minister Steve Crocker. On Monday, the provincial government released its natural gas resources assessments, which suggests natural gas resources in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin range from 8.1 to 11.3 trillion cubic feet (tcf), with a best estimate of 9.7 tcf. Crocker calls the report a "significant milestone," and one that highlights "a promising new chapter in our energy future." "This assessment is more than just a technical document," Crocker told reporters. "It is a strategic tool that helps us understand how our offshore natural gas resource can drive economic growth and support the global transition to net zero emissions." Crocker said the data gathered will help investors make informed decisions. The province earmarked $4.7 million in the 2023 budget for the assessment. Crocker said the province focused on the Jeanne d'Arc Basic because it has existing infrastructure, shallow waters and a service community. The province will also inject $1 million for the next phase of the project, which includes further evaluations in the area. Crocker couldn't provide a timeline for when natural gas could be extracted, saying that would be up to the companies. "We'll put the information out there and hope to see that investment. Obviously that's something that'll come later as companies now have an opportunity to see this proven resource," he Crocker. He said the provincial government has to draft a royalty regime and will be consulting with companies to get feedback. "This will be done and invested and developed with the best interest of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Crocker said. 'High demand' Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy N.L., says the assessment is a positive step for the sector. "We already offer the world a lower carbon form of energy, our offshore oil, and now we prepare to move forward with the possibility of providing another energy source — natural gas — that is in high demand internationally," she said. Energy N.L members have wanted to see the natural gas sector developed for years, Johnson said. "A lot of the focus has been on oil here, and that is still a key focus. But as the world needs natural gas, it's great that we've now turned our attention to that," she said. Safety first Roger Grimes, chair of the newly renamed Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator, says he's looking forward to increased activity in the energy sector. He said as the industry regulator, natural gas will face similar scrutiny as other projects. "As the regulator, we focus primarily on safety first. Everything that's ever approved offshore, the number one priority is is it safe," Grimes said.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Newfoundland's offshore natural gas assessment results a 'significant milestone,' says minister
A new assessment of natural gas off Newfoundland's coast shows economic promise, says Energy Minister Steve Crocker. On Monday, the provincial government released its natural gas resources assessments, which suggests natural gas resources in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin range from 8.1 to 11.3 trillion cubic feet (tcf), with a best estimate of 9.7 tcf. Crocker calls the report a "significant milestone," and one that highlights "a promising new chapter in our energy future." "This assessment is more than just a technical document," Crocker told reporters. "It is a strategic tool that helps us understand how our offshore natural gas resource can drive economic growth and support the global transition to net zero emissions." Crocker said the data gathered will help investors make informed decisions. The province earmarked $4.7 million in the 2023 budget for the assessment. Crocker said the province focused on the Jeanne d'Arc Basic because it has existing infrastructure, shallow waters and a service community. The province will also inject $1 million for the next phase of the project, which includes further evaluations in the area. Crocker couldn't provide a timeline for when natural gas could be extracted, saying that would be up to the companies. "We'll put the information out there and hope to see that investment. Obviously that's something that'll come later as companies now have an opportunity to see this proven resource," he Crocker. He said the provincial government has to draft a royalty regime and will be consulting with companies to get feedback. "This will be done and invested and developed with the best interest of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Crocker said. Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy N.L., says the assessment is a positive step for the sector. "We already offer the world a lower carbon form of energy, our offshore oil, and now we prepare to move forward with the possibility of providing another energy source — natural gas — that is in high demand internationally," she said. Energy N.L members have wanted to see the natural gas sector developed for years, Johnson said. "A lot of the focus has been on oil here, and that is still a key focus. But as the world needs natural gas, it's great that we've now turned our attention to that," she said. Roger Grimes, chair of the newly renamed Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator, says he's looking forward to increased activity in the energy sector. He said as the industry regulator, natural gas will face similar scrutiny as other projects. "As the regulator, we focus primarily on safety first. Everything that's ever approved offshore, the number one priority is is it safe," Grimes said. "There's always the environmental considerations. Have all of the environmental issues been addressed and mitigated?" Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
MHA says province looking at financial help after C.B.N. wildfire
Steve Crocker also weighs in on improving cellular service in the region Media Video | C.B.N fire shows still 'a lot of work to be done' on cell service coverage, says new N.L. tech minister Caption: Steve Crocker is the MHA for the area that saw 12 homes destroyed in a wildfire. Residents of Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove say a scary situation was made even worse because of poor, and in some cases, zero, cell reception. Open Full Embed in New Tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. The MHA for Carbonear–Trinity–Bay de Verde says the provincial government is assessing the damage done by a raging wildfire in Conception Bay North last week. Steve Crocker's district includes Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, where the fire destroyed at least 12 houses and hit about 45 structures in total. Crocker spoke with CBC News on Monday about the government's response to the event. CBC News asked whether the province is planning any financial help for the people affected by the fire. Crocker said some residents may be eligible for the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, but N.L. is talking about offering help at a provincial level. "That's a conversation we will continue to have through other government departments," he said. In the meantime, Crocker is encouraging people to remove debris from their properties and to keep their grass trimmed during the warmer months to lessen the damage from any possible fires in the future. He said a fire ban in the Conception Bay North region might be helpful, because this year "is going to be very bad." Cellular concerns But Adam's Cove residents like Pauline White have renewed their calls for improved cellular service in the area since the fire. "We had a cell phone that we couldn't use. There was no wi-fi, no cell signal. I couldn't get a hold of any of my family to let them know that we were OK. I couldn't let anybody know about the house," White told CBC News on Friday. On Monday, she said Eastlink customers in her town were told the company will not restore internet until May 29. CBC News has asked Eastlink for a response. The town also woke up without service from Bell on Sunday morning due to fire damage to the company's infrastructure, depleting its already spotty cellular service. Crocker — who is also the minister of industry, energy and technology — said cell service has been a longtime challenge in that region of the province. He said his department works closely with companies like Bell, but more work could be done. "Obviously it is a significant challenge," said Crocker. "And when you see circumstances like [what happened] this past week, it highlights the need." In an email, Sonja Pomeroy — a spokesperson for Premier John Hogan — said "Premier Hogan was regularly briefed on the wildfires and the impacts they were having on communities."
CBC
12-05-2025
- General
- CBC
C.B.N fire shows still ‘a lot of work to be done' on cell service coverage, says new N.L. tech minister
Steve Crocker is the MHA for the area that saw 12 homes destroyed in a wildfire. Residents of Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove say a scary situation was made even worse because of poor, and in some cases, zero, cell reception.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
C.B.N. area MHA says government is looking at financial assistance after wildfire
The MHA for Carbonear–Trinity–Bay de Verde says the provincial government is currently assessing the damage left behind after a wildfire in Conception Bay North last week. Steve Crocker's district includes Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove. At least 12 houses were destroyed and about 45 structures impacted. Crocker spoke with CBC News on Monday about the government's response to the event. CBC News asked if the province plans to assist those affected by the fire with financial help. Crocker said some residents may be eligible for the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, but added that the province is in talks. "That's a conversation we will continue to have through other government departments," he said. In the meantime, Crocker is encouraging people to remove debris from their properties and to keep their grass trimmed during the warmer months to lessen the damage from any possible fires in the future. He said a fire ban in the Conception Bay North region might be helpful, because this year "is going to be very bad." But Adam's Cove residents like Pauline White have renewed their calls for improved cellular service in the area since the fire. "We had a cell phone that we couldn't use. There was no wi-fi, no cell signal. I couldn't get a hold of any of my family to let them know that we were OK. I couldn't let anybody know about the house," White told CBC News on Friday. On Monday, she said that Eastlink customers in her town were told that the company will not restore internet until May 29. CBC News has asked Eastlink for a response. The town also woke up without service from Bell on Sunday morning due to fire damage to the company's infrastructure, depleting its already spotty cellular service. Crocker — who is also the minister of industry, energy and technology — said cell service has been a longtime challenge in that region of the province. He said his department works closely with companies like Bell, but more work could be done. "Obviously it is a significant challenge," said Crocker. "And when you see circumstances like [what happened] this past week, it highlights the need." Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
