Controversial gas pipeline application paused over COVID-19
Enbridge is pausing its application to expand a controversial natural gas pipeline through rural Hamilton while it waits to see how COVID-19 “uncertainties” affect future demand for fuel.
Opponents are hoping that plunging demand for fossil fuels — combined with government climate change action — leads the energy giant to “abandon” the planned pipeline.
The company has been seeking Ontario Energy Board approval for a $206-million, 10kilometre natural gas pipeline that would run through Flamborough, including ecologically sensitive areas like the Beverly Swamp.
Enbridge was expected to respond to written concerns filed by environmental groups as well as the City of Hamilton by May 4, ahead of a formal hearing. Instead, the company requested a six-month adjournment of the regulatory review.
The request letter points to “uncertainties” associated with COVID-19, in particular the need to assess pandemic impacts on the “demand forecast” for the expansion.
Spokesperson Andrea Stass said by email the delay will allow Enbridge to update its “regulatory evidence” and emphasized project planning continues, “including working with interested parties” like municipal government, landowners and Indigenous communities.
But Clean Air Alliance chair Jack Gibbons said he views the requested delay as “an acknowledgement that there may not be a need for the (new) pipeline.”
“I would hope they will abandon it,” said Gibbons, who is part of a coalition of groups opposing the pipeline. He expressed hope plunging oil prices and growing climate change awareness will make more companies think twice about fossil fuel expansion plans.
“Maybe they are going to find there is not the same demand for fracked gas from Pennsylvania,” he said, pointing to the controversial practice of extracting gas via high-pressure injection of liquid into the ground to shatter rock.
Local climate activist Don
McLean isn’t convinced Enbridge will give up on the pipeline. “But (plunging demand) may well mean it will be harder to justify the project,” he said.
Regardless, McLean said the delay is positive because it gives opponents more time to raise awareness and convince all levels of government to cut fossil fuel emissions — and thus demand for natural gas.
The OEB is expected to approve the adjournment, but still needs to rule on requests to have Enbridge provide answers now to pipeline questions already submitted by would-be hearing participants, including the city.