An agreement between a Vancouver-based company and a Port Alberni-area First Nation to build a liquefied natural gas export facility is getting mixed reviews from the BC Green Party’s only MLA.
Steelhead LNG and the Huu-ay-aht First Nation have a plan to build an LNG plant at the southern end of Alberni Inlet, an investment worth about $32 billion.
MLA Andrew Weaver says he applauds the company for partnering with the local First Nation before moving forward. But Weaver says it’s just one of numerous proposed LNG facilities in the Island Coastal Region, including Elk Falls on the North Island and Woodfibre in Howe Sound.
Weaver says, environmental concerns aside, the feasibility of the entire LNG industry is still highly questionable.
Weaver says BC should be investing in renewable energy instead, and he says the Liberal government’s choice to bank on a future supported by LNG isn’t responsible governance. Weaver says Russia has vast amounts of LNG and recently signed a long term supply agreement with China, at a price BC just can’t match.
He says it’s irresponsible of the Liberals to pin their hopes on LNG and not have a backup plan for the province’s future.
Meanwhile, Steelhead LNG says it has applied for an export permit from the National Energy Board and is working with pipeline companies to explore bringing natural gas from northern BC to Port Alberni.
