Traditional territory of the Wabanaki Peoples/Fredericton — The Canada Energy Regulator recently approved a request from Saint John LNG to extend its natural gas export licenses, leaving the door open for the construction of an liquefied natural gas export facility at the site of its underused import facility.
While unsurprised by the decision, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is disappointed to see continued efforts to export LNG from Saint John.
“Exporting liquefied natural gas is not a solution to Europe’s current energy crisis and not worth the risks it and the potential for a shale gas industry revival in N.B. pose to our air, water and climate,” says Matt Abbott, Director of Marine Conservation and Fundy Baykeeper at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.
We are in a climate crisis. Experts around the world have made it clear we cannot safely develop any new fossil fuel infrastructure. Instead of entertaining a new export facility (which may well lead to more pipelines and shale gas extraction), we should focus our attention on transitioning to a renewable energy system and increasing energy efficiency. Our research shows that an affordable and reliable electricity system built on solar, wind, storage and interties is possible in New Brunswick today.
Proponents of LNG export cite the energy insecurity in Europe caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a rationale for export. Any LNG exported from Saint John would be too late to help with a European energy crisis that is in the process of being solved.
There’s been waves of discussions for many years about exporting LNG from the Saint John facility. This latest effort appears an attempt to capitalize on the real crisis in Europe to create support for a project proponents have wanted anyway.
The path forward for energy security at home and abroad is investing in renewables, storage and a connected grid.
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To arrange in interview, contact:
Jon MacNeill, Communications Director | jon.macneill@conservationcouncil.ca | 506-238-3539