VANCOUVER, B.C. - The provincial government plans to restrict new transport of diluted bitumen over the region’s waterways is a major obstacle for a pipeline project already facing many delays.

 

 

“This is promising news for communities threatened by Kinder Morgan bearing down on them,” said Wilderness Committee Climate Campaigner Peter McCartney. “A restriction on new dilbit shipments will help protect aquatic ecosystems all along the pipeline and tanker route.”

 

Today the province announced its intention to restrict new transport of diluted bitumen, the heavy product of the tar sands until it can be proven safe to clean up. 

 

“We all know it's impossible to clean up a spill from Kinder Morgan's pipeline or tankers which is one reason why British Columbians are so determined to stop this project,” said McCartney. “If you can't clean it up, you shouldn't move it in the first place. These measures are just common sense.”

 

This move is another signal to Kinder Morgan's investors that British Columbians are ready to stop its pipeline. 

 

“Here's yet another nail in the coffin for a project with already one foot in the grave,” said Wilderness Committee Vancouver Island Campaigner Torrance Coste. “From kitchen tables and church basements all the way to the premier’s office — the province will not let this pipeline pass.”

 

Provincial officials also released plans for four other regulations related to oil spill response time and other plans, application of existing rules and compensation for damages. 

 

“The B.C. government finally seems to be taking this threat to the marine environment seriously, instead of leaning on meaningless buzzwords,” said McCartney. “We’re hoping to see strong measures brought forward as a result of this process.”

 

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For more information, please contact:
Peter McCartney | Climate Campaigner, Wilderness Committee
778-239-1935, peter@wildernesscommittee.org