The federal government’s decision to approve Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline extension and the Line 3 replacement is getting a thumbs up from the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association. President Rob Petrone says the ability to move almost a million more barrels of oil a day will be instrumental in moving the industry forward. However, he cautions there’s still the potential for more delays.
“Now we just need to go to work and get the so-called shovel in the ground and get the rest of the approvals and things in place and hope that it doesn’t drag on, and on, and on and we actually see something happen here. That will be the proof in the pudding.”
At the same time, Petrone says he’s disappointed that Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline wasn’t approved. He stresses the country needs more access to foreign markets.
“Any time there’s restrictions or no approval, it’s a little frustrating and disappointing. We all understand clearly what our challenges are. Being landlocked both on oil and gas to North America is not good and it’s affecting the economy across the country.”
Grande Prairie-Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin shares the association’s concerns, arguing the government has shut down any hopes of new pipelines being built in western Canada.
“The Liberals have killed the Northern Gateway pipeline, abandoned the fight for Keystone XL, and created delays for other proposed pipeline projects. The Liberals have decided to say no to new projects rather than supporting new export opportunities. These decisions will result in the loss of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic opportunities.”
Petrone notes that the Energy East pipeline could still get product moving, and that hope for Keystone XL has been renewed since Donald Trump was elected.