Canadian energy regulator approves Trans Mountain Pipeline

by ROB GILLIES, Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) – The Canadian energy regulator on Friday approved the controversial expansion of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline that would almost triple the oil sands oil flow from Canada's # 1 oil pipeline. 39, Alberta to the Pacific coast.

The National Energy Board said the expansion was in the country 's national interest, but had defined 16 new conditions after a court had concluded that it was not in the country' s interest. he had not properly determined how killer whales would be affected by additional tanker traffic. The court also stated that consultations with indigenous communities had been inadequate.

As the flow of oil increases from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels a day, tanker traffic will rise from about 60 ships to more than 400 ships a year.

But the regulator said Friday that the consequences of traffic, such as whale injuries and increased greenhouse gas emissions, may be justified.

"The significant benefits of the project include increased access to various markets for Canadian oil, jobs created across Canada, capacity development for Aboriginal and local individuals, communities and businesses, direct expenses for pipeline materials in Canada, as well as substantial revenues at various levels of government, "said the board.

The expansion continues to face fierce opposition from the environmental and Aboriginal communities, even though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet is expected to largely approve the expansion proposal for the second time.

The government bought the gas pipeline at Kinder Morgan last summer in a move widely seen as an attempt to eliminate the difficulties that would prevent expansion.

The pipeline would allow Canada to diversify oil markets and significantly increase exports to Asia, where it could offer a higher price for oil. Canada has the third largest oil reserves in the world, but 99% of its exports now go to refiners in the United States, where pipeline and refinery capacity is limited, meaning that Canadian oil is discount.

Analysts said China wanted access to Canadian oil, but had largely given up hope of building a pipeline to the Pacific coast.

The court's decision in 2018, which forced the National Energy Board to reconsider the issue, had first given a victory to the indigenous leaders and environmentalists who had committed to take the necessary steps to thwart the pipeline, including by linking to construction equipment.

Many Aboriginal peoples see the new 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) pipeline as a threat to their lands, echoing concerns raised by Native Americans about the Keystone XL project in the United States.

Some say it also raises broader environmental concerns by allowing for increased development of the carbon-heavy oil sands. Legal proceedings could be initiated.

The agency announced on Friday that it would impose 156 conditions on the project when it was approved, including measures to offset the increase in underwater noise and improve measures taken in case of spill.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said the approval was a good step forward.

But Judy Wilson, leader of the Neskonlith Indian Band in British Columbia, said that this decision was not a surprise if it is considered that the government owns the pipeline.

"It's a full conflict of interest," Wilson said. "They recognized that they could justify the damage done to orcas or our whale populations in the south, did they tell the First Nations that they could justify the damage to our lives?"

Vanessa Adams, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, said the government would make a decision once they "have been discharged from their duty to consult adequately."

Tzeporah Berman, International Program Director at Stand.earth, said federal officials have repeatedly stated that the pipeline would be built despite ongoing consultations with First Nations.

"The Trans Mountain Pipeline is not in the public interest and will never be built," Berman said in a statement.

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee described the downstream of the board as "deeply irresponsible," believing that his own analysis had shown that the expansion of the pipeline would be detrimental the survival of whales.

"Although they may think that it is in Canada's interest, it is not in the interest of the people of Washington or the world," said Inslee in a statement. "The Washington State Department of Ecology has expressed concerns about the impact of the pipeline on our international waters, and I continue to support them and urge the Canadian government to reconsider its response. decision."