Federal government has 7 months to make decision on controversial project
Coastal communities in B.C. have raised serious concerns about spill risk and the potential damage it could cause to the environment. (Kinder Morgan)
The National Energy Board is recommending the multi-billion dollar pipeline be constructed if 157 conditions are met, including 49 environmental requirements. The NEB described the requirements as achievable for the company.
Kinder Morgan must meet the conditions in order for the company to construct and operate the pipeline.
A map of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline is seen in the foreground as Dr. Robert Steedman, chief environment officer of the National Energy Board, releases their report on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in Calgary. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)
The NEB concluded the Trans Mountain expansion will provide several economic advantages for Canada such as access to more export markets, thousands of construction jobs and increased government revenue.
At this point, the exact route of the pipeline is still not determined.
The federal government will take the NEB’s decision into account in addition to considerations about upstream greenhouse gases and views of First Nations and other communities along the route.
Alberta’s oilpatch welcomed the decision, although the excitement was measured.
“It’s beneficial in 2019 when there is actual oil flowing,” said Robert Cooper, with the institutional sales and trading team at Acumen Capital Partners in Calgary. “Right now the immediate concern in the energy business is keeping the business alive.”
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