$12-Billion Pipeline Project Faces Challenges Over Environmental Approval

A $12-billion natural gas pipeline project in British Columbia is facing challenges from a Gitxsan hereditary chief and environmental groups. The challenge centers around the province's decision to extend an environmental approval certificate for the pipeline, which was granted a five-year extension in 2019.

The pipeline had to be 'substantially started' by November 2024, meaning it needed to move beyond planning into actual development such as land clearing. However, the province announced in June 2025 that the pipeline had met this threshold.

Charlie Wright, hereditary chief of the Luutkudziiwus, one of the Gitxsan's dozens of wilps or house groups, has filed a challenge to the 'substantially started' status. Wright claims the pipeline would cross over 34 kilometers of Luutkudziiwus territory, including untouched wilderness and areas used for culture and livelihood.

The Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition and the Kispiox Valley Community Centre Association are also challenging the decision. The province, Nisga'a Nation, and pipeline company reject the argument that the project was not substantially started and that there was inadequate consultation with the Luutkudziiwus wilp.