Coastal First Nations on Tuesday said that there has been no endorsement by CFN for LNG developments on the coast despite certain media suggestions stating otherwise.
The Coastal First Nations noted that no agreement indicating they endorse LNG has been signed.
In its statement, CFN clarifies that the agreement signed with the province of British Columbia ensures the First Nations will be engaged with the federal and provincial government in addressing environmental issues related to LNG “rather than being forced to live with decisions made by others.”
Under the agreement, CFN will benefit from a strategic regional approach to environmental stewardship and has secured a commitment from the province to conduct two airshed studies related to proposed LNG facilities development in the Kitimat and Prince Rupert.
The Coastal First Nations have also secured regulatory requirements that LNG companies offset greenhouse gas emissions if their CO2 outputs go beyond certain benchmarks, as well as full participation with the provincial and federal government on shipping and marine cumulative impacts.
The province will also provide funding for cumulative impacts study, emergency response planning, and training as well as incentives for use of renewable energy technologies at LNG processing facilities, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.
CFN adds that none of the agreed benefits should be construed as an “endorsement of the LNG industry on the coast”.