Author Archive

Oilpatch seethes over new environmental rules for pipelines: ‘Deeply disappointing.’

Financial Post: Many in the oilpatch are quietly seething over Ottawa`s announcement that decisions on the Energy East and Trans Mountain pipelines will be delayed as it studies the projects’ contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. Ottawa to take more time weighing Energy East, Trans Mountain pipeline approvals The two companies proposing the pipelines, TransCanada Corp. and Kinder Morgan Inc., were diplomatic in their responses to the new approval rules announced Wednesday, saying they had "concerns" about...

TransCanada seeks U.S. approval for US$600M northbound pipeline from North Dakota

Financial Post: The Canadian company behind the long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline will seek U.S. government approval for another pipeline -- this one going north. Industry officials in North Dakota say the proposed Upland Pipeline could reduce reliance on the railroads to ship crude following recent concerns about safety. TransCanada Corp.’s proposed $600 million Upland Pipeline would begin near the northwestern North Dakota oil hub of Williston and go north into Canada about 200 miles. At peak operation...

Alarmist US report highlights risks of climate change to energy sector

Financial Post: In a report supporting Barack Obama’s renewed push to fight climate change, the United States Department of Energy said its energy sector is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods and decreased water availability and needs to shore up its preparedness. “The magnitude of the challenge posed by climate change on an aging and already stressed U.S. energy system could outpace current adaptation efforts, unless a more comprehensive and accelerated approach is adopted,”...

Follow the oil sands money trail

Financial Post: Last week, on the eve of the environmental review for the $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline project that would carry Alberta oil to Kitimat for export to Asia, Canada’s Minister for Natural Resources, Joe Oliver, expressed concern that foreign-funded environmentalists would jeopardize the review and block the pipeline. Oliver didn’t mention my name, but the research that raised concerns about the foreign funding of environmentalism in Canada is apparently mine. For five years, on my own nickel,...