Canada’s energy regulator said on Friday that all three members of a panel assessing TransCanada Corp’s proposed Energy East pipeline were stepping down, a decision that will drag out an already-lengthy appraisal process.
Advertisement
Critics want two members to quit after it emerged they had privately discussed the project a year ago with former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who was working for TransCanada as a consultant at the time. Environmental groups had submitted letters last month asking for panelists to step aside over the risk of bias, after reports revealed two of the members had held meetings in Quebec in advance of the official proceedings, including with former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who was then a consultant for TransCanada. “The members acted in good faith and have pledged not to discuss these two applications with either other Board members or Board staff”.
More than 50 environmental and governance advocates called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to start over with reviews of Energy East and proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in British Columbia.
The Liberal minister says that under the existing law it is up to the National Energy Board to govern itself, adding he expects an announcement on the panelist complaint soon.
A federal government process is underway to select new board members.
In the statement, the NEB said hearings will resume once a new panel is appointed.
Those various promises will be under intense scrutiny this autumn.
Advertisement
Earlier this year, the Liberal government said it would modernize the NEB but not before the regulator had examined Energy East. The groups include 26 participants in the Energy East pipeline process, as well as intervenors from the Kinder Morgan pipeline review.
