It’s a WIN! Enbridge’s Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission line is officially dead.
It was one of several pipelines previously slated for northern B.C., but was hotly contested by Indigenous communities and allies along the route.
The WCGT is the first project in B.C. to have its environmental assessment certificate expire free and clear.
The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Line (PRGT) could be next. The proposed pipeline’s decade-old environmental certificate also expired at the end of November, but if PRGT can prove a “substantial start” on construction, the certificate originally granted in 2014 will be valid indefinitely.
Contractors began work on the pipeline route only three months before their environmental certificate expired. As of November 25, PRGT has logged a meagre two per cent of the pipeline corridor and built one temporary work camp (currently empty).
If B.C.’s new environment minister, Tamara Davidson, decides this pitiful amount of work adds up to the project being “substantially” started, the company will get the green light to continue.
WCGT and PRGT were both approved in 2014 to carry gas from northeast B.C. to a liquefaction facility on the coast for overseas shipping. A lot has changed in 10 years. In today’s world, fracking and shipping gas makes zero sense for the environment or creating an economy that can withstand the end of fossil fuel’s domination.
Congratulations to all of the people and organizations who fought off the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission line and won. PRGT is the next fight. It won’t be easy, but we have proof that the commitment and tenacity of organized people WORKS.