Environmental groups criticize pipeline plan for weak decarbonization commitment | carboncredit.io

Environmental groups say the proposed Alberta to B.C. coast pipeline backed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith lacks a firm decarbonization commitment. The Pembina Institute and Clean Prosperity both criticized the plan for not requiring oil companies to finalize the Pathways carbon capture project before moving forward. The pipeline is estimated to cost between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion, with taxpayers taking on significant risk as no private proponent has stepped up to lead it. Chris Severson-Baker of the Pembina Institute said the Pathways carbon capture project should no longer be treated as a real emissions reduction plan. He argued that without conditions on proponents, the pipeline will simply enable increased oil production without meaningful decarbonization. Clean Prosperity CEO Michael Bernstein called the climate ambition in the deal modest and said there is room to strengthen the climate aspects. Both groups noted the separate agreement between the federal government and B.C. on clean electricity and carbon markets as a more promising development.