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Pipelines

HATS off to the provincial legislature’s finance committee for putting on paper an issue that’s been on the minds of many northwesterners.

HATS off to the provincial legislature’s finance committee for putting on paper an issue that’s been on the minds of many northwesterners. And that’s asking the provincial government to consider establishing a common liquefied natural gas (LNG) energy corridor.

Think of this corridor as being a highway with pipelines branching off to separate LNG plants as needed and you get the idea.

As Skeena NDP MLA Robin Austin points out, it would save companies time and money from having to have separate routes surveyed and approved and ease overall environmental impacts. But it would also, as Mr. Austin further points out, stand in the way of the competitive nature of business in pursuing the ultimate gold medal – being the first project to the coast consisting of a pipeline, plant and customers.

In practical terms, there would have to be consideration for perhaps two corridors, one to serve Kitimat area plants and the other for Prince Rupert projects.

And there’d be that other project – Northern Gateway – to consider. While LNG companies might be persuaded a common corridor has merits, even the slightest suggestion a common corridor could also apply to that project would have their public relations advisors shrinking back in horror.

Still, it’s an idea worth exploring and a response from the province is awaited.