New British Colombia Energy Minister says he has no intention to open to the West coast of the oil and gas exploration as the drilling ship off the coast of Louisiana in 2006. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)New Energy Minister Steve Thomson British Colombia explains to the offshore oil exploration and gas on the West Coast is not a priority for the province, marking a significant change in government policy.
"It is not currently the focus of the work that I am to the Department of energy," Thomson told CBC News
For years, the Liberal Government of British Columbia Colombia tried to lift an informal Federal moratorium on drilling off the coast of the West Coast. Energy former Minister Richard Neufeld believes that there is $ 100 billion worth of oil and gas it.
But Wednesday, Thomson told CBC News accent as energy Minister newest province on the export of natural gas in the northeast of the British Columbia Colombia
"In the current climate, the focus is on the use of the resources that which we currently have." There are a lot of luck, lots of investment going on in our Northeast. "It is market opportunities see us for British Colombia" Thomson said.
Outgoing Prime Minister Gordon Campbell, was a great reminder of the exploration of the offshore energy. In the speech from the throne, Campbell has even called for active offshore industry be operational on the West coast by 2010.
It is unknown position of the successor of Campbell, what will be placed on oil exploration off the coast but it already growing political pressure to ban Virgin West Coast Colombia British Petroleum.
Tuesday, Ottawa members passed a motion calling for a ban on oil tankers on the West Coast NDP private member.
The prohibition has the support of 61 v. b. First Nations and the majority of the mayors in the Union of municipalities of British Colombia leaders but there is no legislation in place is a ban on oil tankers and oil exploration on the West Coast.
Established in Calgary oil and gas giant Enbridge Inc. opposed any ban on oil tankers due to its proposal to build the pipeline 5.5 billion of connecting the oil sands of Alberta for the Kitimat, port on the North coast of British Columbia Colombia North entrance.
The company says that it still requires load 225 oil each year port despite the recent parliamentary proposal and federal regulatory agencies and politicians to decide if the supertankers will set sail from Kitimat.
Jason Morris, who teaches political science at the University of Northern British Colombia says despite opposition to the project, there is much truth in this application.
"Individuals and elected representatives can discuss until cows home... but at the end of the day, there is a process put in place... to determine decisions," said Morris.
Enbridge has insisted the plan is safe for the environment and provide a massive economic spin-offs for the region.
The Federal Government, explains application the company will be evaluated by a Joint Committee established by the Minister of the environment and national energy.
Betsy Trumpener and Jeff Davies records.
No comments:
Post a Comment