Scientists want federal environment minister to reject ‘flawed’ LNG report
VICTORIA — Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna should reject a “flawed” environmental draft report for the proposed $36 billion Petronas-backed liquefied natural gas plant on British Columbia’s northwest coast near Prince Rupert, says an open letter to the minister signed by more than 130 scientists.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency released its draft report last month, finding the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG project in the Lelu Island, Flora Bank area of the Skeena River estuary poses minimal risks to fish and fisheries.
The federal cabinet is expected to make its final decision this month on the CEAA project permit.
The letter to McKenna states the scientists conclude the CEAA draft report “is scientifically flawed and represents an insufficient base for decision-making. We urge you to reject the CEAA draft report.”