MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release: 6 October 2017
Ontario Rivers Alliance on the termination of the Energy East Pipeline
SUDBURY – The Ontario Rivers Alliance says that TransCanada Corp. (TC) cancelled its controversial $15.7-billion Energy East Pipeline proposal because “It saw the writing on the wall.” It proposed to convert its 3,000 km natural gas pipeline and construct another 1,500 km of new pipeline, to carry 1.1 million barrels per day of dirty Tar Sands oil from Alberta to New Brunswick.
“TC’s decision was likely due in large part to a continuing decline in the demand for crude oil in a world on a fast-track to decarbonize.” The scientific evidence is clear, that climate change is one of the greatest threats of our time. “So, the National Energy Board’s recent ruling to consider the potential increase in upstream and downstream greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the project was no surprise, but an impossible hurdle to overcome, and likely the final nail in the coffin.”
“Termination of the project can also be chocked up to pure ‘People Power’. The Ontario Rivers Alliance was only one of 337 applicants that were granted intervenor status in the review; however, the level of collaboration and cooperation between the intervenors working to protect the environment and rally against the project was unprecedented. These were grass-roots organizations, municipalities, First Nation communities and individuals coming together to oppose a risky project that posed a threat to literally thousands of aquifers, creeks, rivers, lakes and wetlands across its 4,500 km span.”
“We can finally breathe a sigh of relief today. Congratulations and a big thank you to all those who fought so hard to protect communities, and the environment”, said Linda Heron, Chair of the Ontario Rivers Alliance.
Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) is a Not-for-Profit grassroots organization acting as a voice for several stewardships, associations, and private and First Nation citizens who have come together to protect, conserve and restore healthy river ecosystems.
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Contact:
Linda Heron
Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance
OntarioRiversAlliance.ca