National Energy Board seeks public input on extension to Enbridge Northern Gateway sunset clauses

Company wants more time to begin building pipeline project

CALGARY, May 25, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The National Energy Board (NEB, the Board) is looking for input from the public before deciding whether to extend the sunset clauses for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project (Northern Gateway Project).

The sunset clauses say that construction must begin before December 31, 2016 or approval for the project will expire. Enbridge Northern Gateway and the Aboriginal Equity Partners wrote to the Board on May 6 asking that the sunset clauses be extended for three years until December 31, 2019.

If granted, the extension to the sunset clauses would require approval from the Federal government.

The Board will accept comments from the public until June 27, 2016. For more information, please visit the National Energy Board website.

Quick Facts

• The Northern Gateway Project is a proposal to build and operate two pipelines, one carrying crude oil and the second carrying condensate, and a marine terminal. The pipelines would run 1,178 kilometres between Bruderheim, Alberta and Kitimat, British Columbia, where the marine terminal would be built.
• A Joint Review Panel recommended approval of the Northern Gateway Project on December 19, 2013. The Federal government approved the project on June 17, 2014.
• The sunset clause is one of 209 conditions attached to each of the company's Certificates for Public Convenience and Necessity.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

SOURCE National Energy Board

Sarah Kiley, Communications Officer, National Energy Board, Email: [email protected], Telephone: [phone], Telephone (toll-free) 1-800-899-1265