BREAKING: Trans Mountain Pipeline – deemed in the public interest
The National Energy Board (NEB) today delivered its Reconsideration report to the Government of Canada, with an overall recommendation that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (Project) is in the Canadian public interest and should be approved.
Just one week ago a Pro-pipeline convoy trucked on down the TransCanada past Virden on their way to Ottawa. Their representation on Parliament Hill was notoriously small, deemed by some as ineffective.
Then last Saturday a Pro-resource rally headlined by Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer met in Moosomin, where he declared the pipeline should be deemed in the national public interest. Industry leaders explained the power of wealth generation for all of Canada, with regards to oil production and the export and sale of the product.
While these events have nothing to do with the NEB decision, they indicate that there is a lot riding on this decision and the decision of government going forward.
Does this mean the pipeline will be built? No. The final decision lies with government.
The NEB will impose 156 conditions on the Project if it is approved, and has made 16 new recommendations to the Government of Canada. The recommendations relate to matters that fall outside of the NEB’s regulatory mandate, but within the authority of the Government of Canada.
Dr. Robert Steedman, Chief Environment Officer, National Energy Board took questions in the press conference held in Calgary, on Feb. 22.
The Calgary Herald questioned what effect Bill C-69 might have on this NEB decision. In it’s present form, Bill C-69 “would mean the end of the NEB as we know it,” said the Herald.
Steedman said, “This is a decision under the existing law.”
Regarding thepotential impact to the Salish Sea off Canada's west coast, Steedman said there is already significant damage done to the seaway. This includes disturbance of the killer whales and other marine life habitat include vessels strikes, damage to prey species and the pressure from the presence of “millions of people” which includes run-off and effluent into the waters.
However, he also said the Conditions and Recommendations presented by the NEB would benefit the safety of navigation of the Salish Sea.
For the NEB press release go to: http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/bts/nws/nr/2019/nr04-eng.html
