Northwest Institute for Bioregional Research

A Clear Look at BC LNG: Energy security, environmental implications and economic potential

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the west coast of Canada have been heralded as economic salvation for the province of British Columbia.This report by David Hughes undertakes a reality check that reveals several major problems with this narrative, both in the stewardship of finite non-renewable resources by provincial and federal governments, and in the environmental implications of large-scale development.

David Hughes toured Northwest BC in April 2015 and discussed the content of this report with local governments and the public.

View the report below or download the PDF (811 KB).

About our region

Northwest British Columbia is a vast, sparsely populated region where rural communities and small cities co-exist with intact wilderness ecosystems. It is the home to numerous First Nations, none of whom have ceded their terrritories to the crown. Three major wild salmon rivers -- the Nass, Skeena and Stikine -- flow through the region to the Pacific Ocean. The region’s abundant natural resources have led to a series of large-scale industrial proposals over the decades, including salmon farms, pulp mills, mines, hydro projects and oil and gas pipelines.