Cedar LNG, the largest First Nations majority-owned infrastructure project in Canada, has received an environmental assessment certificate from the Government of British Columbia.
Cedar LNG is a $3 billion floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that Haisla First Nation and Pembina Pipelines plan to build in Kitimat with the capacity to export three million tonnes per year.
“This is a significant milestone that honours our government’s commitment to respect self-determination and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Already proposed to be one of the of lowest-emitting facilities in the world, we will be working in partnership to further reduce the project’s emissions,” said Premier David Eby.
The project by Cedar LNG Partners will receive natural gas from northeastern B.C. through the Coastal GasLink project and be powered by renewable electricity by connecting to BC Hydro’s grid.
“Together with our partner Pembina Pipeline, we are setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable energy development that protects the environment and our traditional way of life. We are grateful to government, our LNG industry partners, neighbouring Nations, and other stakeholders whose collaboration and support are helping to make Cedar LNG a reality,” said Crystal Smith, chief councillor for Haisla Nation.
The province will enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Haisla Nation to help the project achieve climate objectives, including exploring ways to enhance environmental performance and lower emissions to near zero by 2030.
Cedar LNG Partners still must receive any required federal approvals and provincial permits and authorizations before they would be able to start construction. The project is expected to take four years. Up to 500 people would be employed at Cedar LNG during construction and approximately 100 people would be employed full-time when operational.
The project’s approval was announced along with a new energy action framework that the province unveiled to ensure oil and gas sector projects fit within its climate commitments.
