Kinder Morgan pipeline to be approved soon?
Published by Stephanie Roker,
Editor
World Pipelines,
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has recently announced the environmental measures to be taken on Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, as a means of appeasing those opposed to the line.
Trudeau has been investing heavily in marine protection and greener infrastructure, as a means of transporting Canadian energy in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.
The Liberal government, who intends to aid Alberta’s struggling economy by transporting its oilsands bitumen to Asian markets via a port in British Columbia, must make a decision on the pipeline project by 19 December.
However, the pipeline project is still objected by many.
On 16 November, Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon wrote to Jim Carr, Natural Resources Minister, stating: “[the tripling pipeline capacity to its Burnaby terminal] is detrimental to British Columbia and the project should not proceed.”
Previously, McKinnon has explained that, while he understands the need to transport crude oil from Alberta, British Columbians see the disadvantage and risk of the pipeline as it runs through British Columbian waters.
McKinnon said: "There is a huge groundswell of opposition to this project within my community and the surrounding communities that are affected by this pipeline, and the tanker traffic that it will ensue. So, I think there is a great deal of resistance and I don't believe that you can find social licence there at all.”
Similarly, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson wants the project rejected, stating: “The proactive way to prevent massive impact from an oil spill on British Columbia’s south coast is to not approve [Trans Mountain]. I strongly urge the federal government to reject Kinder Morgan’s pipeline proposal.”
Nevertheless, the government seems to be preparing for approval. Ed Greenspon, President of the Public Policy Forum, noted: “The prime minister has been consistent in saying climate policies and energy development can co-exist, middle class jobs are top of his agenda, and he won’t leave Alberta out in the cold. He’s taken risks before and looks ready to take some flack here.”
Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/18112016/kinder-morgan-pipeline-to-be-approved-soon/
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