Scientists Urge Canadian Gov't to Scrap LNG Project Over Emissions

Over 90 scientists and climate experts requested Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet to scrap a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in British Columbia in a letter sent Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – They said the estimated nearly 22.5 percent of added emissions would make it "virtually impossible" for the province to meet its target to reduce GHG to 80 percent below 2007 levels by 2050.

"We the undersigned scientists and climate experts request that you reject the proposed Pacific Northwest (PNW) LNG project due its significant adverse environmental effects from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions," the scientists wrote.

Citing Canada’s commitment under last year’s Paris climate agreement to reduce GHG emissions to 200 million metric tonnes below current levels by 2030, the scientists accused the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) of "grossly" underestimating total emissions from the project.

The PNW LNG project is subject to CEAA approval, which began its review in April 2013. Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, among the recipients of the scientists' appeal, has said the project would be forwarded to the federal cabinet for deliberations if approved by the CEAA.

The export-oriented $8.7 billion terminal is spearheaded by Malaysia's state-owned Petronas, with four other Asian oil companies as minority shareholders.

Environmental concerns with the PNW LNG are compounded by opposition from one of two aboriginal communities living at the project's planned site of Lelu Island, Port Edward district.

Last May, the 3,600-member Lax Kw'alaams Band community rejected the firm's $837-million compensation fee over fears that the project would impact local salmon habitats.