Living Oceans Society is working to ensure that B.C.'s waters stay oil free forever.
Two moratoriums have protected British Columbia's coastline from the threat of oil spills since 1972.
Now, several proposals for pipeline projects from Alberta's tar sands to the North Coast are in the works. They call for oil tanker traffic loaded with crude from the pipelines to travel through B.C.'s coastal waters. The federal government is already ignoring the moratorium on tanker traffic. Since early 2006, tankers carrying condensate have traveled through the Inside Passage to Kitimat.
Now, the federal government is considering lifting its
offshore oil and gas moratorium
on the North Coast, and the B.C. government wants the entire moratorium lifted to allow offshore
oil and gas development
in the Strait of Georgia and off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The risk is high for very little gain. Even the top end estimates predict that B.C.’s offshore reserves would produce only enough oil and gas to satisfy U.S. consumption for six months.
Two moratoriums have protected British Columbia's coastline from the threat of oil spills since 1972.
Now, several proposals for pipeline projects from Alberta's tar sands to the North Coast are in the works. They call for oil tanker traffic loaded with crude from the pipelines to travel through B.C.'s coastal waters. The federal government is already ignoring the moratorium on tanker traffic. Since early 2006, tankers carrying condensate have traveled through the Inside Passage to Kitimat.
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Oil Spill ModelSee the potential impact of an oil spill on B.C.'s coast. |
The risk is high for very little gain. Even the top end estimates predict that B.C.’s offshore reserves would produce only enough oil and gas to satisfy U.S. consumption for six months.
Around the world offshore drilling and tanker spills have damaged the marine environment. Offshore oil will have a negative impact on coastal communities and any businesses that depend on a clean, healthy ocean. The majority of First Nations and other British Columbians want the moratorium to remain in place.
