The Green MLA for Saanich North and the Islands says he wasn't surprised that the National Energy Board greenlighted the Trans Mt. pipeline project for the federal government.
The NEB decision also included new recommendations, including calling for measures to offset underwater noise and marine oil spill response. And while the board acknowledges environmental damage from an oil spill would be significant, they ruled the risk isn't high and so is worth taking.
Adam Olsen, who was an intervener in the process, says that's what happens when you entrust environmental concerns to a body that regulates pipelines and energy development:
" Well I mean I think that it's important to be clear that the former government turned environmental assessments over to a fossil fuel regulator. The National Energy Board is in the business of regulating energy, regulating fossil fuels. And so the outcome is not entirely surprising to me."
Olsen says the extinction of the Southern Resident killer whale is at stake, as well as other aspects of BC's marine economy if the pipeline goes ahead, requiring increased tanker traffic.
Olsen says it's disturbing the special interests of a sunset industry have taken precedence over the survival of a species, over BC's environmental interests, and over relationships with Indigenous peoples, and our Washington State neighbours -- who also oppose the project.
Several Indigenous and environmental groups are promising to launch renewed lawsuits over what they say was a pre-determined result.