News Release Archive
NATURAL RESOURCES--PROVINCE FILES EVIDENCE ON SABLE PROJECT ------------------------------------------------------------- The Province of Nova Scotia today filed its evidence to the Joint Review Panel on the Sable Offshore Energy Project and the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Project. "The main thrust of our evidence is to ensure that the positive effects of the project are maximized for Nova Scotians," said Natural Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie. "From the offset it has been our objective to make this a Nova Scotia-first project." The province is seeking point-to-point tolling in order to reflect the fact that the cost of transporting gas is directly related to the distance the gas must be moved. Tolls are essentially the rates associated with transporting the gas on the pipeline. The pipeline proponent is seeking a "postage stamp" rate - the same toll whether the gas is moved one kilometre or 558 kilometres. "We feel strongly that customers close to the point of production should pay a lower toll than those who are further along the pipeline," the minister said. The province, in its evidence, is also indicating its intention to regulate laterals off the main pipeline, similar to what is done in other provinces. The evidence also deals with future use of natural gas within the province, and the availability of gas for Nova Scotians at competitive prices. Mrs. Norrie said the province strongly endorses the joint public review process "and, we are confident that the process will result in a thorough, transparent and open review of the projects." She said the province also wants to ensure that the project is carried out in a manner that protects the safety of workers, minimizes any environmental impacts, maximizes resource recovery, and promotes employment and benefits for Nova Scotians. -30- Contact: Maurice MacDonald 902-424-4426 trp March 7, 1997 - 2:30 p.m.