Several organizations are suing the B.C. Energy Regulator about their decision to allow construction of a section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission.
This is being fronted by the Kispiox Band, Kispiox Valley Community Association, and Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition with the first hearing held on Tuesday in Vancouver.
They are being represented by Ecojustice, who said the pipeline would carry liquid natural gas across northern B.C., through the Kispiox area to Prince Rupert
“We’re reluctantly in court after trying to solve this directly with the B.C. Energy Regulator and relevant government Ministries,” said Shannon McPhail, Co-Executive Director at Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition.
“It shouldn’t be left up to citizens to ensure our regulators are doing their jobs and upholding the law, but this is our home and we will defend it.”
Ecojustice said the Regulator allegedly bypassed a legally required step of conducting a cumulative effects assessment of the project.
“The concerns of the Kispiox Valley residents have not been acknowledged, much less addressed, by government or industry regulators,” said Kathy Clay, President of the Kispiox Valley Community Centre Association.
The release added concerns include effects from pipeline construction on streams, roadways, community infrastructure and services, endangered species, the local environment, and community safety.
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