The National Energy Board (NEB or the Board) today announced that it will hold a public hearing to consider an application submitted by BC LNG Export Co-operative LLC (BC LNG) for a 20-year licence to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada to Pacific Rim markets.
This application is based on projections that the demand for natural gas in Pacific Rim markets will continue to increase substantially over the next 20 years. In its application, BC LNG is requesting authorization to export up to 1.8 million tonnes of LNG annually.
The Board will consider, among other issues, the export markets and natural gas supply, the transportation arrangements, and the status of regulatory authorizations. The Board will also consider the potential environmental effects of the proposed exportation, and any social effects directly related to those environmental effects.
Members of the public can participate in the hearing in one of three ways:
(i) by seeking intervenor status;
(ii) by filing a letter of comment; or
(iii) by making an oral statement to the Board.
The public hearing will consist of a written portion and potentially an oral portion. The Board has invited parties to comment, as part of their application to intervene, on whether the oral portion of the hearing is necessary.
Any person wishing to intervene in the hearing or make an oral statement must file the required documents with the Board and serve a copy on BC LNG and its counsel by Thursday, 1 September 2011. The deadline to file a letter of comment will be announced at a later date.
[mappress] Source: NEB, July 26, 2011;