BC MLAs will have a rare summer sitting of the legislature tomorrow.
They will debate some controversial law changes that would clear the way for a $36 billion LNG project near Prince Rupert.
The proposed bill would freeze tax rates for LNG projects for 25 years, meaning royalty rates, carbon tax rates, and natural gas credits would be set in stone.
MLA Andrew Weaver thinks the bill would tie the hands of the government.
“It is uneconomical in today’s global market to establish an LNG industry in BC,” says Weaver in a petition against the project,”BC will not only miss its legislated greenhouse gas reduction targets, but dramatically increase its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on climate change.”
Premier Christy Clark announced an agreement in principle with Pacific Northwest LNG last month.
The company, which is mostly owned by Malaysia’s Petronas, has since ratified the agreement.
If the government can introduce legislation to ratify the deal on their end, the project development agreement can be released publicly.
If the project gets past tomorrow’s hurdle, it will still face a Federal Environmental Assessment.
Local First Nations have another set of problems with the proposed project.
The Lax Kw’alaams Band thinks the potential building site on the mouth of the Skeena River could damage eel grass beds and harm salmon.
First Nation voters unanimously rejected a billion-dollar benefit offer earlier this year.