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NEB approval of Trans-Mountain pipeline: "A big step in the wrong direction" says Équiterre

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Ottawa May 19, 2016, Équiterre expresses grave concerns over the National Energy Board’s (NEB) decision to approve the Trans Mountain Expansion project by Kinder Morgan saying "it is a big step in the wrong direction".

The Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) would expand the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system between Edmonton, Alberta and Burnaby, BC. It would include approximately 987 km of new pipeline, new and modified facilities, such as pump stations and tanks, and the reactivation of 193 km of existing pipeline. The Westridge Marine Terminal would also be expanded and result in increased tanker traffic.

“The National Energy Board is completely out-of- touch with the overwhelming opposition in British Columbia to this project" stated Steven Guilbeault, Senior Director of Équiterre. “The Kinder Morgan pipeline faces large opposition in the Lower Mainland of B.C. from twenty municipalities including Vancouver and Burnaby (representing over 2 million people) as well as from Seventeen First Nations in BC and Alberta" added Mr. Guilbeault.

In addition to local opposition, it seems like the NEB paid little attention to the climate change impacts of the project which would more than double the amount of tar sands oil being transported by this pipeline making it even more difficult for Canada to reach it's Paris climate change commitments.

"During the last federal election, Prime Minister Trudeau said that it was up to "people to give permission"... Clearly, the people of BC are saying "no" to this project" added Sidney Ribaux, Director General of Équiterre.

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For more information :

Dale Robertson
Relations médias, Équiterre
514 605-2000 / drobertson@equiterre.org