A new Memorandum of Understanding will streamline environmental assessments and permitting for liquefied natural gas projects by reducing duplication and improving timeliness.
The BC Oil and Gas Commission and the Environmental Assessment Office regulate many of the same projects in the oil and gas sector. By co-ordinating their work and sharing information, the two agencies will manage a single, predictable regulatory regime for LNG projects, from inception through closure.
“Under this memorandum, the Environmental Assessment Office and the BC Oil and Gas Commission will work together to reduce duplication and shorten the time it takes to get an approved project up and running,” Environment Minister Mary Polak said. “At the same time, by strengthening compliance and enforcement efforts, they will maintain and even enhance environmental protection.”
Improvements include:
“Developing a globally competitive liquefied natural gas industry is a priority for our government,” Natural Gas Development Minister Rich Coleman said. “ With these changes, we will ensure both a rigorous and timely review of applications in British Columbia.”
The BC Oil and Gas Commission and the Environmental Assessment Office will begin implementing the memorandum immediately, including communicating with the industry and others about the implications for current and future LNG developments in the province.
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, November 11, 2013