The Globe and Mail reports today that, “Much of the crude flowing through a controversial new export pipeline project will go to the United States, rather than to Asian markets, regulatory documents filed by Enbridge Inc. reveal.”
“The $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline, which would bring Alberta crude to ocean tankers at Kitimat, B.C., has long been billed as a critical link that will connect Canadian oil with Asian consumers. …But Enbridge’s own estimates suggest that a substantial percentage – likely more than a third, and probably near half – of the oil going through Gateway will actually be destined for the U.S.”
“It could be tough for Enbridge to argue that Gateway is nationally important – and therefore worth the environmental drawbacks – when it will largely feed a market already well served by other pipelines, Gerald Graham (a marine policy consultant for opposing groups) said.”
THE COUNCIL OF CANADIANS
The Council of Canadians has raised concerns about the impact of a Northern Gateway pipeline spill on the rivers and streams it would cross, as well as the likelihood of a spill on the Pacific Ocean once the bitumen has been loaded onto tankers.
We have also campaigned against the continued expansion of the tar sands and the harm that does to First Nations peoples, water, the climate, as well as the national economy.
In July 2010, Council of Canadians British Columbia-Yukon organizer Harjap Grewal attended the Wer’suwet’en action camp established to opposed the pipeline, http://canadians.org/campaignblog/?p=4566.
Yesterday, we highlighted the Saik’uz First Nation’s opposition to the pipeline given its possible impact on the Nechako River, a lifeline for their community, and the most important tributary to the Fraser River.
The full Globe and Mail article is at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/most-gateway-pipeline-shipments-slated-for-us/article1924314/.