Environmental Groups Demand Stronger Decarbonization Commitment in New Pipeline Proposal

📅 2 weeks ago

Environmental advocates are urging for a robust commitment to decarbonization in the pipeline proposal backed by Alberta and the federal government, emphasizing the need for a clear plan to address greenhouse gas emissions.

In Ottawa, environmental organizations are expressing their desire for a more definitive commitment to decarbonization in the recent proposal for a pipeline extending to the British Columbia coast, a project supported by both the Alberta government and the federal authorities. Leaders from the Pembina Institute and Clean Prosperity have voiced their concerns, noting that the proposal lacks a firm commitment to the finalization of the Pathways carbon capture initiative. Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, conveyed his skepticism in a Calgary interview, stating, "I think it’s time to completely discount the notion that the Pathways project is an actual real project that’s going to contribute to emission reductions." He criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for placing significant emphasis on the Pathways project without imposing necessary conditions on its proponents, suggesting this could ultimately reveal its inadequacies.
The agreement forged last year between Prime Minister Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the pipeline contingent upon advancing carbon capture and storage technologies. Recently, both leaders announced they are nearing a finalized agreement with the Oil Sands Alliance concerning the Pathways project’s construction. According to a media release from the federal government, this initiative is projected to reduce emissions by 16 million tonnes annually once operational. Severson-Baker emphasized that for a new pipeline to be justified along the existing Trans Mountain route, oil companies would need to significantly boost their production levels.
The estimated cost for the new pipeline ranges between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion. The Alberta government is collaborating with the federally owned Trans Mountain Corporation, while Pembina Pipeline holds a preliminary 10 percent stake in the project. Severson-Baker raised concerns about the substantial risks taxpayers are assuming, questioning why no private stakeholders are willing to invest despite the government’s efforts to eliminate obstacles. He remarked, "Canadians are also going to be wondering what is the plan to deal with greenhouse gases. That concern is still there, the imperative to address climate change is still there, and Canada has no plan to achieve it."
Michael Bernstein, CEO of Clean Prosperity, acknowledged the pipeline announcement as indicative of "positive but modest climate action ambition." He suggested that as the parties adapt their agreement to reflect current circumstances, there should also be an opportunity to enhance the climate components of the deal. Both organizations advocating for clean energy expressed encouragement regarding the agreement announced by Carney with B.C. Premier David Eby, which aims to expand clean electricity initiatives in the province. Bernstein noted that this could lead to a significant national conversation on improving the effectiveness of carbon markets.
Although Eby has expressed opposition to the proposed pipeline, he has indicated that his government will not pursue legal action against it. The previous B.C. government, under Premier John Horgan, had unsuccessfully attempted to challenge the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in court when Eby served as attorney general. Duane Bratt, a political science professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, interpreted these two announcements as Carney’s strategy to gain support from both Eby and Smith for a project deemed essential for national development.
The agreements included Carney’s commitment to uphold the prohibition on oil tankers along the northern coast of British Columbia, a ban that has faced significant criticism from Alberta and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. However, this ban has garnered support from Eby and Coastal First Nations in B.C., who insist on its maintenance. The agreement also allocates funding for mining, forestry, and other infrastructure projects in B.C., which Bratt suggested could enhance Eby’s willingness to consider a southern pipeline route over a northern one.
As Albertans prepare for an October vote on potentially holding a referendum regarding separation from Canada, Bratt speculated that the pipeline announcement might not sway staunch separatists but could influence those harboring less intense grievances against the Trudeau administration. He also highlighted the challenges of executing major cross-jurisdictional projects in Canada, exemplified by the public-private funding model being employed. Bernstein reflected on the potential advantages of an additional West Coast pipeline, advocating for a larger private sector investment to bolster the project. He argued that if global demand for oil persists, Canada should leverage this situation to support broader decarbonization initiatives.
"When it comes to carbon pollution, it’s also true that that production is likely to have occurred elsewhere if it’s demanded by what is the global market," Bernstein stated. He emphasized that ensuring Canada benefits from this demand could create further opportunities to pursue decarbonization concurrently.

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