Alberta supports new federal pipeline review rules to help get pipelines built

Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips.
(Photo from Wikipedia/Connor Mah)

EDMONTON—Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips says that she stands behind any federal government plan that will bolster the chances of getting pipelines built.

Phillips was responding to new initiatives announced by Ottawa surrounding resource projects, including two pipelines to get Alberta crude to ports so it can be sold overseas.

Federal reviews of those projects must now take into account upstream greenhouse gas emissions.

Ottawa also extended the review periods for the Trans Mountain and Energy East pipelines.

Phillips says previous federal governments eroded public trust in pipelines, and says she welcomes any new measures to restore confidence.

She says Alberta has already done its part with new climate change rules to cap oilsands emissions and phase out coal-fired electricity generation.

Opposition Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said he is disappointed that there is now further delay and red tape added to the review process.

Jean says it’s already clear that pipelines are the most efficient and climate-friendly way to move oil.

Liberal Leader David Swann says he is cautiously optimistic that Ottawa has found a way to restore confidence in the lines to make them a reality.