Northern Gateway Pipeline is a go!

Thursday December 19th 2013

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Northern Gateway pipeline recommended for federal approval, with conditions

A joint review panel has recommended the federal government approve Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline project, with conditions. 
The approval hinges on 209 required conditions, including developing a marine mammal protection plan, researching heavy oil cleanup and conducting emergency response exercises. 
The recommendation comes after more than a year of hearings in B.C. and Alberta.
The final decision, however, rests with the federal government, which has 180 days to decide.

• Northern Gateway pipeline project: 6 things to know
• Northern Gateway pipeline by the numbers
• On mobile? Click here to view interactive

The $6.5-billion pipeline would take bitumen from Alberta's oilsands to the B.C. coast for tanker export to Asia. But the controversial proposal has pitted Calgary-based Enbridge against environmental groups and several First Nations.
The pipeline has also been a lightning rod in the debate over climate change and has raised concerns about the effects an oil spill would have on environmentally sensitive areas along the B.C. coast.
The B.C. government had told the panel it did not support the pipeline as proposed, and more than 130 aboriginal bands signed a declaration against the project.

Alberta Premier Alison Redford had said she hoped the panel would endorse the proposed pipeline as her province strives to diversify market access for the oilsands.

Both the federal NDP and Liberals have voiced opposition to the project.

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