小蓝视频

A few months back, on Squamish Speaks, someone spoke in support of Woodfibre LNG, suggesting it would bring back prosperity to Squamish, like in the old days of mills, logging and Nexen.

It stuck with me, because of the suggested absence of prosperity today, which I am not sure is correct. Many new businesses have replaced the old ones. The post also ignored massive environmental impacts of decades of Woodfibre and Nexen on the waters of Átl’k a7tsem/Howe Sound, and the clearcut logging on the region. 

Was the post simply longing for the past that seems rosier with years gone by, or will Woodfibre LNG bring more prosperity to Squamish? Let’s explore.

First, Squamish is growing. It’s far more economically diversified than it was 25 years ago, when two mills and the railyard maintenance unit closed within four years. Six hundred jobs and $3 million in annual tax revenue were lost. Compared, Woodfibre LNG would employ about a hundred people. A municipal tax agreement is being negotiated. 

What about the bigger picture? What happens once LNG Canada and Woodfibre LNG make their first shipments to Asia?

If prices in Asia for LNG are high, it becomes more lucrative for natural gas and LNG producers to ship overseas. A common economic scenario unfolded in Australia when the first LNG exports started around 2015. The consequence of Australian producers—before confined to a single market—entering new markets, was that Australian natural gas users were faced with price increases. Since U.S. LNG export terminal are in operation, the same is happening in the U.S. The same will happen in 小蓝视频—less prosperity. 

And what about 小蓝视频 Hydro rates? 

The Site-C dam is mostly built to power LNG operations. While the price tag for the dam has exploded from $6.6 to $16 billion, the LNG industry rate deals remain about the same. LNG producers will get hydro below cost, while you and me—the taxpayers—will be forced to foot the bill for paying off Site-C, and in effect, subsidize the LNG industry hydro rates; less prosperity.

What if LNG prices in Asia are low in a few years? Because many projects like LNG Canada will come online globally, the concerns for a natural gas/LNG glut are high. It would be at the time when Woodfibre LNG enters the market. Like LNG Canada, it will be in trouble. But we will be too. Forced to pay off Site-C through even higher rates, while very little natural gas and LNG revenue will enter the government coffers. Not even enough to make up for LNG subsidies flowing the other way. 

Climate-wise, it’s lose-lose too. 小蓝视频 NDP and 小蓝视频 United have adopted the wild claims by the 小蓝视频 LNG industry of 小蓝视频 LNG lowering global emissions, and to replace coal-fired power plants in Asia. The claims are wrong and based on a narrow view of the burning process of the fuels. When the emissions from the full life cycles of 小蓝视频 LNG and coal are compared, which studies have, it shows that  LNG emits as much, if not more than coal, when used in Asia.

Clearly, 小蓝视频 taxpayers were moved into a financial and climate lose-lose situation when the 小蓝视频 Liberal government decided to force ahead with LNG and Site-C. The 小蓝视频 NDP adopted the policies set out by the 小蓝视频 Liberals. In 2017, the 小蓝视频 NDP could’ve stopped Site-C - then “only” $2 billion in, but foolishly didn’t. Both 小蓝视频 NDP and 小蓝视频 United (former 小蓝视频 Liberals)  remain in full support of 小蓝视频 LNG and Site-C. 

The situation we are in today, happens when politicians ignore scientists and lay their ear with industry lobbyists. Because of it, you and I, our kids will lose. While we could be in a win-win situation, focusing on renewable energy and storage. This we still can. This year, we must break the cycle of expanding fossil fuel production and export. 

Anton van Walraven

Concerned Citizens Bowen