Peace River North MLA sends letter of support for Pacific NorthWest LNG

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm has written to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency in support of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project, and is urging others to do the same.

In the letter, Pimm says he is ‘incredibly enthusiastic about as LNG,’ adding that the ‘clean fossil fuel’ has the potential to unlock more economic opportunities for Northeastern British Columbia and the entire province.

“Fort Nelson is currently experiencing its worst economic downturn since the 1980s. Unemployment in the Peace Region has gone from nearly zero per cent to almost nine per cent. The development of a new LNG industry will do wonders in creating jobs and stability for our region. Now is the perfect time for Pacific Northwest LNG’s project to proceed, bringing new opportunities and growth to this region.”

Pimm says the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is projecting that, without a new LNG market place, Canada’s 14 BCF of daily production would be reduced to 12 BCF by 2020. But, with a new LNG industry, he says the production of natural gas would go to 18 BCF by 2020 and all off that additional number will come from production in B.C. and Alberta.

In light of the recently released draft environmental assessment report released by CEAA, Pimm wrote that he feels encouraged to see the project making ‘excellent progress.’

“Such positive steps are instrumental in maintaining the delicate and essential balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship,” he wrote. “Exposing and delivering this clean burning fuel to new markets in Asia will act as an economic catalyst for the entire northeast region as it has already done since the first development in 1952. ”

He concluded his letter by stating that, ultimately, the project will require public engagement and participation, and this project poses extreme economic benefit for the Province.

“Participation in the form of jobs that directly and indirectly assist in the development of this new and expanding industry. I urge this process to make a positive recommendation on this project so that proponents can make a Final Investment Decision to proceed.”

Pimm asks that support of Pacific NorthWest LNG be sent to GNLPacificNorthwestLNG@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Read the full letter here: