An emergency resolution was passed by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) on Friday stating that "local governments were not actively consulted regarding Kinder Morgan’s historic or planned expansion of oil tanker traffic". 

Kinder Morgan has plans to dramatically increase the size and frequency of oil tanker traffic through Burrard Inlet, the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

The resolution calls on the National Energy Board (NEB) to conduct "meaningful public consultations, including direct engagement with affected municipalities, regional authorities and BC First Nations in regards to any application to expand the amount of oil transported by pipeline and tanker." 

"Our local governments have been denied meaningful consultation on oil tankers by the NEB,” said Eric Swanson, No Tankers Campaign Director for the Dogwood Initiative. “We were glad local leaders stood up to the NEB and passed this resolution.”  "

Oil exports via tanker through the Westridge terminal in Burrard Inlet have increased from an average of 25,000 barrels a day to 80,000 barrels a day in the last five years. In July, 2011 the National Energy Board denied requests to hold consultations with local governments and residents on this topic.  

The UBCM resolution also states that "sixty one of BC’s First Nations have signed the ‘Save the Fraser’ declaration prohibiting oil pipeline and tanker traffic expansion through their lands, territories and watersheds, or ocean migration routes of Fraser River salmon," which includes the south coast waters of BC.

"This builds on the strong position taken by First Nations opposed to oil tankers and pipelines on the coast. It’s encouraging that BC’s elected mayors and councilors have declared, en masse, that the First Nations ban on oil tankers on the south coast is a reason why cities and towns need to act,” said Josh Paterson, staff Lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law. “Governments need to respect the decisions of First Nations about their lands and waters, so it’s encouraging to see local governments recognize the leadership of First Nations on protecting the coast and the Fraser River," said Paterson.

 "The very public fights against the Enbridge pipeline up north and the Keystone Pipeline in the US are increasing the pressure to quietly export more oil through Vancouver Harbour," said Ben West, Healthy Communities Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee. "But this resolution should put everyone on notice that the people of BC want to have the final say when it comes to determining what constitutes an acceptable risk to our coast," said West.

Contact:

Ben West, Climate Campaigner, Wilderness Committee, cell: 604-710-5340

Eric Swanson, No Tankers Campaigner, Dogwood Initiative,  250-858-9990

Josh Paterson, Staff Lawer, West Coast Environmental Law, 604 601 2512