B.C. introduces LNG regulation bill

A bill to regulate the construction, operations and permitting of LNG development on federal port lands has been introduced into British Columbia’s legislature.

LNG developments

Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development, Rich Coleman, introduced Bill 12, the Federal Port Development Act (FPDA). The legislation will extend provincial authority and application of provincial law to LNG-related development on federal port lands.

The FPDA authorises the Province of British Columbia to enter into agreements with the federal government and a federal port to administer and enforce provincial law on port lands. Agreements under the FPDA legislation would, for example, detail how the BC Oil and Gas Commission would oversee development and operations of LNG facilities at a federal regulated port.

Prince Rupert

LNG facilities proposed for the Port of Prince Rupert are expected to be the first to benefit from this arrangement. There are currently two projects in the area: Pacific NorthWest LNG and Prince Rupert LNG.

Marine traffic and LNG shipping operations will not be affected by this bill and will continue to be led by Transport Canada under the Canada Marine Act (CMA).

Comments

Commenting on the new bill, Rich Coleman said: “This legislation will continue to support British Columbia’s liquefied natural gas industry. Proponents will be able to invest in a facility knowing the rules that apply and provincial officials will ensure LNG operations are safe and environmentally sound.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/17022015/new-legislation-regulates-lng-developments-259/