It’s almost funny…
This week in Ottawa, there were two big climate announcements that are so contradictory they make me want to laugh. But there’s nothing funny about giving hard-earned taxpayer money to big oil companies. On Monday, in what can only confuse the issue: “The House of Commons has passed a motion declaring a national climate emergency, and supporting Canada’s commitment to meet the Paris Agreement…
20 local governments ask 20 fossil fuel companies to pay a share of local climate costs
BC environmental organizations are celebrating that 20 communities have now voted to send letters to 20 fossil fuel companies. The groups say BC local governments increasingly see clearly their costs associated with climate change, and the need for global fossil fuel giants like Chevron and Shell to pay a share of those costs. The City of Courtenay, on northern Vancouver Island, became the…
Huge Victory: no fracking in Sacred Headwaters
Government announces ban on gas fracking in the Sacred Headwaters The government of British Columbia announced today that Shell is withdrawing its plans to drill for gas in the Sacred Headwaters and that gas drilling is banned in the area. A four-year moratorium on gas exploration was due to expire this month, and the government has decided to permanently extend it. First Nations, author Wade…
Vancouver coal controversy
Opposition to Vancouver becoming the largest coal shipping port in North America Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson is quoted by the Globe and Mail as saying more consultation is necessary before the Port of Metro Vancouver can approve two new coal port expansions. The expansion would make Vancouver the largest coal exporting port in North America. Much of the coal, thermal coal would come from the…
Great Nelson crowd turns out for Defend Our Coast rally
Nearly 300 came out to protest bitumen pipelines, tankers and the tar sands in Nelson, BC as part of a province-wide protest on Wednesday, October 24th. The Defend Our Coast event followed up the huge event in Victoria on the Monday, that week. Watch Youtube clips of the speakers, Keith Wiley, Michael Jessen, Candace Batycki, Tom Nixon and David Reid, here: http://youtu.be/KSQ24bI99u4
New hearings show Enbridge spill plans still leaky
BC Environment Minister Terry Lake is reported by the Vancouver Sun as saying Enbridge is making lots of promises on dealing with leaks and environmental risks, but isn’t providing much solid evidence or details. In a news release, Lake said Enbridge hasn’t determined how it can access parts of the pipeline in case of a spill and will not have a plan until within six months of operations. …