The provincial government of British Columbia is wasting its time with legal challenges that could target the Trans Mountain oil pipeline, a trade group said.

The provincial government this week asked the courts to confirm its jurisdiction over the right to regulate the environmental and economic impact of the transportation through its territory of the heavier type of crude oil found in neighboring Alberta.

Our government will continue to stand up for the right to protect British Columbia's environment, economy and coast, Premier John Horgan said Thursday.

Horgan has been a vocal opponent of plans by Kinder Morgan to triple the capacity of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline from Alberta. Tim McMillan, the president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said the provincial leader was wasting his time.

British Columbia in January considered new regulations on bitumen, a heavier type of oil found in Canada. Included among the proposals was a restriction on transportation until the government determined what would happen if there was a spill of the thicker type of oil.

What Premier John Horgan and his government are doing is a sham, MicMillan said in a statement. They are not acting in the best interests of Canadians, or British Columbians, but instead advancing their own political agenda.

After spending more than $850 million since it petitioned federal regulators for the project, Kinder Morgan said earlier this month that opposition to Trans Mountain exposed its shareholders to undue risk. That opposition, the company added, has led to increased provincial tensions.

Alberta's government said it would help finance the project and later proposed legislation that could block exports of oil, natural gas or fuels to its neighbors. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Horgan's administration has shown willingness only to stand in the way.

McMillan said the decision should rest with the federal government.

The government of Canada now needs to exercise its constitutional authority and act in Canada's best interests to move the project forward without further legal or political delays from the B.C. government, he said.

Alberta's government estimates that not moving ahead with the project was costing the Canadian economy around $30 million every day.

Kinder Morgan said it still felt the expansion project was a national interest and would consult with stakeholders on how to proceed. If it can't find a resolution by May 31, it would likely back out of the project.

Related Links
Oil and Gas news
All About Oil and Gas News at OilGasDaily.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Iraq grants oil exploration permits near Iran and Kuwait
Baghdad (AFP) April 26, 2018
Iraq's oil ministry said Thursday it has granted licences to explore oil blocs in zones bordering Iran for the first time in half a century. Licences have been issued to two Chinese companies and one Emirati firm for three blocs close to Iran and one near Kuwait, according to the ministry. The ministry also granted licences to exploit gas from four fields in Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad. Under late dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq went to war with Iran between 1980 and 1988 and invaded ... read more