Vancouver mayor says ‘more robust review’ needed of Trans Mountain
VANCOUVER — The City of Vancouver is the latest group to launch a court challenge aimed at quashing the National Energy Board’s recommended approval of the $6.8-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
The city said in its court application that the energy board’s recommendation to approve the expansion of the oil pipeline, subject to 157 conditions, is invalid and unlawful.
The board excluded oral cross-examination, provided inadequate information sharing and failed to properly consult communities along the pipeline and tanker route, the city contends.
Mayor Gregor Robertson said the board ignored key pieces of evidence showing the potential for “real and catastrophic” damage from a spill, and the impact of an expanded pipeline on greenhouse gas emissions, both locally and abroad.