Canada Fast-Tracks Oil Pipeline to Port of Vancouver Amid Environmental Concerns
Washington state governor Bob Ferguson expressed disappointment over Canada's decision to fast-track a new oil pipeline project, which could increase oil spill risk in the Salish Sea. The West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, will run from Edmonton to a supertanker terminal at the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia.
The pipeline is capable of carrying one million barrels of crude oil per day and would connect to an existing Trans Mountain Pipeline corridor. This has raised concerns among environmental groups and politicians about the potential impact on sensitive ecosystems and killer whale habitats.
Ferguson said that resources needed to respond to a major spill are insufficient today, and emphasized that if the project proceeds, it needs to come with a corresponding commitment to increase response capabilities.