Environmental groups wanted to see clear decarbonization commitment in pipeline plan

Environmental organizations have expressed disappointment with a recently proposed pipeline plan, arguing it lacks a firm commitment to decarbonization. Groups like the Pembina Institute and Clean Prosperity believe the proposal should have definitively included the finalization of the Pathways carbon capture project.

Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, stated that the notion of the Pathways project being a real initiative contributing to emission reductions should be dismissed. He criticized the prime minister for placing significant stock in the project without imposing conditions on proponents to ensure its completion, suggesting this would expose its true nature.

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I think it’s time to completely discount the notion that the Pathways project is an actual real project that’s going to contribute to emission reductions.

The deal, signed last year between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, made the pipeline conditional on advancing carbon capture and storage. The two leaders announced Thursday they are nearing an agreement with the Oil Sands Alliance for the Pathways project, which is projected to cut emissions by 16 million tonnes annually once operational.

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I actually think that the prime minister putting as much stock in it without putting any conditions on proponents to actually do it will finally expose it for what it is.

Severson-Baker argued that for a second pipeline along the existing Trans Mountain route to be viable, oil companies would need to significantly increase production. The estimated cost for the new pipeline ranges from $35.2 billion to $43.7 billion. The Alberta government is partnering with the federally owned Trans Mountain Corp, and Pembina Pipeline holds an initial 10% stake.

"The amount of risk that’s being taken on by taxpayers is enormous," Severson-Baker said, noting the lack of private proponent interest despite efforts to remove obstacles. He added that Canadians are concerned about the lack of a clear plan to address greenhouse gases and the imperative to combat climate change.

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The amount of risk that’s being taken on by taxpayers is enormous. It’s really telling that no private proponent is interested after all the effort that the premier and the prime minister have put in to remove every single obstacle that there is.

Michael Bernstein, CEO of Clean Prosperity, described the announcement as offering "positive but modest climate action ambition." He suggested that if the parties could adapt the agreement to changing circumstances, such as taking ownership of the pipeline, they should also consider strengthening its climate aspects.

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I think Canadians are also going to be wondering what is the plan to deal with greenhouse gases. That concern is still there, the imperative to address climate change is still there, and Canada has no plan to achieve it.