B.C. Greenlights Tilbury LNG Expansion Despite Environmental Concerns
B.C.'s energy minister has given the green light to a $2-billion expansion of the Tilbury Liquefied Natural Gas facility, bypassing the normal approval process through the B.C. Utilities Commission.
The decision, made through a cabinet order on July 24, 2026, will exempt FortisBC's Phase 1B expansion from needing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the commission.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix deems the project to be in the public interest because it brings new investment and decreases emissions from dirtier fuels like diesel. The facility already has extensive environmental assessment, and powering ships with LNG reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, nitrous oxide emissions by 76%, and sulphur oxides and particulate pollution by 90%.
The deal also includes an equity ownership stake for the Musqueam Indian Band.