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The Pros And Cons Of LNG

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Like other fossil fuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a point of controversy in Canada. For the West Coast in particular, the processing and exporting of LNG is a complicated issue that has amassed both significant support and opposition. Steelhead LNG’s proposed natural gas liquefaction plant for the Bamberton site is one such project that has been affected by a downturn in the LNG market, increased opposition by environmentalists, and legal setbacks. Even with an export permit approved by the National Energy Board and a contract with the Malahat Nation, the possibility of the project moving into the development stage is diminishing. Due to the economic, environmental, and legal issues, the proposed Malahat LNG project is unlikely to …show more content…

Due to the fact that power of the municipal governments is delegated from the province, they do not have the authority over LNG projects . First Nations also have the legal right to be consulted over any Crown project that may adversely affect their treaty and non-treaty rights . The Malahat LNG project will have to go through the approval processes of both the federal and provincial governments and meet all of the consultation obligations to the First Nations before it can move forward.
Liquefied natural gas has garnered both substantial support and extensive opposition. The BC Liberal party has promoted LNG. In 2013, then BC Premier Christy Clark announced the establishment of the BC Prosperity Fund, which would create new jobs and decrease the provincial debt through the development of LNG projects. The BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has been vocal against LNG, worrying that the development of projects like this will significantly set BC back in terms of decreasing its carbon emissions. The recently elected BC NDP government has stated that that it will “increase the environmental obligations for LNG companies that want to do business in the province,” meaning that the NDP’s will conditionally be supporting LNG projects.
There are currently disparities between the First Nations communities along the Saanich Peninsula in regards to the Malahat LNG project. The Malahat Nation supports the project, and is

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