October 3, 2018

LNG Canada’s announcement presents big challenge to B.C.’s clean growth

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VANCOUVER / MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH & TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORIES — Karen Tam Wu, B.C. managing director at the Pembina Institute and a member of B.C.’s Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council, made the following statement today in response to LNG Canada’s announcement of a final investment decision:

“Premier John Horgan’s government has said that the development of a liquefied natural gas industry must fit within B.C.’s forthcoming clean growth strategy. However, as LNG Canada moves forward with plans to build a $40-billion export terminal in Kitimat, we are still waiting for the government to reconcile LNG’s carbon pollution with B.C.’s climate goals.

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“Without a clean growth strategy that puts B.C. on track to our climate targets, the LNG Canada project would take B.C. in the wrong direction. In addition to the climate considerations, scientific research has not fully caught up on the many impacts of unconventional gas development. Recent research demonstrates evidence of risks posed by hydraulic fracturing to our water resources and public health. In the absence of further investigation, we should be cautious about putting our communities at risk.

“The natural gas sector has a methane leak problem. Gas is already B.C.’s biggest source of industrial emissions. Gas producers, including LNG Canada’s suppliers, need to do their fair share in reducing carbon pollution and protecting our climate. We need to see significant emissions reductions in the gas supply chain in B.C., as well as an increase in the scale of emissions reductions from other sectors of the economy.

“The task of reducing B.C.’s carbon pollution must not be underestimated. With B.C.’s climate action having stalled in recent years, we have to be ambitious to make up for lost time. British Columbians are expecting to see a forward-thinking clean growth strategy this fall that will accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy, curb carbon pollution, and secure economic prosperity. Transparent and accountable reporting on progress and ensuring that policies and programs are adjusted accordingly are critical to meeting carbon reduction targets.”

Quick facts

The Pembina Institute estimates that, as proposed, the LNG Canada project (phases 1 and 2) could increase B.C.’s annual carbon pollution by 8.6 million tonnes (Mt) by 2030.
B.C.’s carbon pollution in 2015: 62 Mt.
B.C.’s legislated targets for carbon pollution: 40 Mt by 2030, 27 Mt by 2040, 13 Mt by 2050.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #LNGinBC @Pembina

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